"Personal relationship"
- Sarah C.
- May 31, 2016
- 3 min read
Today I took a walk with a sweet friend of mine. Her eyes sparkle and joy dances across her face when she smiles (which is most all of the time). Sometimes, not only does joy dance in her countenance, but she lets that joy fill her and she dances alone, choreographing as she moves, taking risks. Dance is her craft and she is a master in her own right. In these precious moments she is every bit the singular, beautiful jewel she was created to be. I can only marvel at and begin to imagine the special delight He takes in her.
The round path we take is a simple way and along it, besides delighting in my dear friend, I talk with her. We talk about our daily lives, our dreams, and our people we care about. We talk about the family we treasure that extends far beyond blood relations and we recall memories we share and revel in no matter how simple. After we nourish our bodies with lunch, we nourish our souls in these beautiful conversations, rejoicing in the sun and the green He created just for us to enjoy.
Today in particular, our conversation gave me pause. Her voice was different today when she inquired about what a "personal relationship" with Him is like. She's hardly a stranger to that topic, but like everyone, relating to a infinite God takes a lifetime and eternity. I'm no expert, but I suppose I do know at least a thing or two. So I did my best to offer counsel to her, and this counsel I will relate to you.
That terminology is so dry to me. Like, seriously, who calls deep, intimate yearning and longing for union with another a "personal relationship" on the reg. It just seems too clinical and exacting to me. It minimizes what we are seeking. It makes it seem like an easy concept to grasp. And easy it is not.
These so called "personal relationships" are not easy to me, or anyone, and we are prone to screw them up. All the time. We fall. But, friends, the triumph is in getting up and embracing the One who can move mountains, expel demons, and raise dead men from their tombs. He seeks perfect union with each one of us as if we were the only one for Him. He finds intense joy in loving us. He does not have to love us, and He is complete without us. And yet, He came to us as an infant born of a poor, lowly maiden celebrated this day and everyday, and He sacrificed Himself so we might know Him. He gives everything so we might lack nothing. He loves and fights for us eternally.
So, I do not have an answer or five easy steps to getting a "personal relationship" with Christ the King of the universe, God the Eternal Father, the fierce Spirit of truth. However, what I do know is that we must approach Him knowing how intimately He loves us and wants us. We must console His broken heart with the love we have to offer however imperfect it may be.
He does not demand perfection in order for us to approach Him. He does not ask us to clothe ourselves in fine robes and crowns of virtue apart from Him. He desires all of us, as soon as possible, however imperfect. Then friends, He will clothe us in strength and dignity. In courage and daring. In peace and gentleness.
He will never give up on us.
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