Posts
I have some great friends in my life!
Those that have worked with me to try and fall in slow motion, those that have great imaginations, those that I have seen grow up, those that I know I will spend all my life with, those that have dealt with some of my crazy beliefs, those that have taught me to deal with mistakes, and finally ... (though not forever.. for I have many other stories) those that throw me off of Sea-Doos!
We were taking turns with this fun little game. One would drive and the other would hold on for dear life trying to not be thrown off due to the insane way the driver at the time was driving. It was fun, it was friendship - until of course we flipped the thing and it drowned the engine.
In case you were wondering when your engine has too much water in it.. it does not start.. which means you are stuck wherever you are with a giant semi floating weight and your friend deciding how much not fun it well be to swim this thing back the MILES that we went out on it....
Perspective changes quickly in life - one moment we are just having a grand 'ole time flinging one another off the back of a Sea-Doo - the next we are planning how to drag that same Sea-Doo with our own bodies and get back to our wives.
The good thing was that God provided an answer to that question only a few minutes after we decided we were stranded and began to try and pull the thing.
Someone came upon us and asked if we were ok and needed help.
"SWEET!!"
We were in need of assistance and BAM it was there! Amazing. This guy even had rope to hook his Sea-Doo to ours... making it possible to tow us back to where we started out that day. AMEN! Awesome! Wonderful!
But things are not always peachy because we had to suffer (much much less than if we HAD needed to swim it back). He had one of those Sea-Doos that shoot the stream of water out the back .. and low and behold.. that stream had just the perfect arc at our speed that it landed on our heads the ENTIRE ride back.. we were blind.. we were at the mercy of this Sea-Doo Savior.
Salvation was never something that changed my life. The process that I 'discovered' Christ and began to follow him was awkward. I distinctly remember the pull and love of Christ that wanted to rip me from the very foolish and stupid things I was doing in my life, and I decided to follow those pullings - but I did not change.
Much like my friend and I was very much into throwing my life and the lives of those close to me anywhere that I 'thought' was fun, but in the end all I did was hurt them and effectively killed by engine. When I was in my stranded state, shortly before truly realizing the healing power and love of God, I was a wreak - I was a terribly broken person. I was saved... I had salvation, I know this because I always attribute my accepting of Christ before this time in my life, but this time was the time that my mind realized it could trust in God. Again, much like my friend and I, when in the tow of our savior we were blinded - I was blinded and could not, or would not realize the amazing miracle that it was I was now following Christ.
I remember being told "Your a good Christian boy." and every time I heard it, it was a stab to my heart, because I knew it wasn't true - I was a mess - a sinner - a terrible no good, rotten friend flinger. I had to learn that life does not magically change, and that not being a hypocrite was something near impossible (mind you I am doing my best) .. but I had to forgive myself, forgive my friends, and move forward.
What does it mean to be a Christian? You tell me!
Share in Tweet!
That is the absolute best analogy I've ever heard. I mean if we would only stop and let God take the reins we wouldn't have to worry about if we are choosing the right path. We are told to pray without ceasing and that God cares about even the little things that we consider to minor to bother God, the all powerful omnipresent omnipotent creator.
ReplyDeleteJust like in your story God works through us best when we are helpless in out own strength. When all we have is nothing. In our weakness he is strong so why do we strive to be strong? When we are blind he shows us the way. When we are weak he gives us strength. When we are tired he gives us rest. There's about a million other things I could say along that line but I think my point has been made.
I know from my own experiences that God knows what I want (or what will make me happy) better than I know myself. I can tell you the same is true for all of us regardless if we know it or not.
I'm reminded of an awkward moment I had a while back. I was leaving Sam's Club and waiting in line for them to check the receipts of everyone in front of me when I noticed two guys in front of me. One had his hand on the others shoulder. I thought it odd until I realized that the one was vision impaired. I felt awful for a moment but the point here is that just like that man who had to rely on someone else to show them where to go.
We should do the same with God. Even with the simplest choices. We should pretend like we are spiritually blind and that we have to be led around because the truth is we are. I know myself well enough to know that I don't know what's best for me. If I left God out of the picture I'd be so lost that if all the people in the world formed a search party looking for me they couldn't find me.
It's a concept that is easier said than done I'm sure but if we could develop that kind of faith imagine how the world would change.
I must say that your reply has humbled me.
ReplyDeleteYour taking of the two men you saw is such a powerful image. The judgment and bewilderment turned to shame. The idea that some people will go ahead and deal with the issues of assumption in order to help out a friend.. likely they may get odd looks often, and they probably hurt them.
The good thing is to keep your head up and trust. The one leading and seeing the judgmental stares MUST overlook them in order continue being the eyes for his friend.. can we do that .. really? When Jesus calls us to something?
Good stuff Tim! Thanks - I love your friendship and your insight!