"The greater part of the life is not conscious obedience but the maintenance of this relationship -- the friend of the Bridegroom" -- Oswald. I am glad to hear Oswald put this fundamental premise so plainly (especially since I've had it backwards for most of my life). Christianity is not primarily about obedience. It is primarily about having a relationship with the Creator of the universe, the Savior of the world.
So . . . how do you have a relationship with God? I've been making a conscious daily effort since I started this blog, and it's been a two steps forward/two steps back kind of thing. I can talk to him, but it's worse than a phone conversation (and I am not a phone person). I cannot see his quizzical facial expressions or hear his murmurs of affirmation. We cannot go out for coffee or talk about our husbands. I cannot take him flowers or invite him over for dinner. We cannot play Pictionary Man or Cranium. There is too much guesswork in this relationship and not enough laughter. I would like to laugh with God. Do you supposed he would like that too? I wonder. To laugh the way my children make me laugh at times -- until I cannot breathe and tears are creeping out the corner of my eyes. Can God laugh when the world is so messed up?
I have been wishing lately that God were like a big red happy button, that I could go and lean against him and suddenly be awash in good, happy feelings. But relationships are not like happy buttons. There are people in my life who make me feel good, but that is not their job. I guess it's not God's job either.
So . . . how do I have a relationship with God? Be intentional. Seek him out. Talk to him. Listen. And when my mind wanders -- as it always does -- hit "clear" and start listening again. Read his book. Be honest about me. Believe the best about him. Invite him in -- all the way in.
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