God is closer than you think...

I love reading, but there's something about being required to read something that causes you to miss many really good things. I've decided to revisit many "required" readings from my college classes. I've begun with God is closer than you think by John Ortberg. In the very first pages...I'm struck by great insight into Michelangelo's painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Here's an excerpt from pages 12-14...I hope you will be challenged the way I was...

"If you look carefully at the painting, you notice that the figure of God is extended toward the man with great vigor. He twists his body to move it as close to man as possible. His head is turned toward the man, and his gaze is fixed on him. God's arm is stretched out, his index finger extended straight forward; every muscle is taut.

Before Michelangelo, art scholars say, the standard paintings of creation showed God standing on the ground, in effect helping Adam to his feet. Not here. This God is rushing toward Adam on a cloud, one of the 'chariots of heaven,' propelled by the angels. (In our day they don't look quite aerobicized enough to move really fast, but in Michelangelo's day the angels suggested power and swiftness.) It is as if even in the midst of the splendor of all creation, God's entire being is wrapped up in his impatient desire to close the gap between himself and this man. He can't wait. His hand comes within a hairbreadth of the man's hand.

The painting is traditionally called The Creation of Adam, but some scholars say it should be called The Endowment of Adam. Adam has already been given physical life - his eyes are open, and he is conscious. What is happening is that he is being offered life with God. "All of man's potential, physical and spiritual, is contained in this one timeless moment," writes one critic.

Apparently one of the messages that Michelangelo wanted to convey is God's implacable determination to reach out to and be with the person he has created. God is as close as he can be. But having come that close, he allows just a little space, so that Adam can choose. He waits for Adam to make his move.

Adam is more difficult to interpret. His arm is partially extended toward God, but his body reclines in a lazy pose, leaning backward as if he has no interest at all in making a connection. Maybe he assumes that God, having come this far, will close the gap. Maybe he is indifferent to the possibility of touching his creator. Maybe he lacks the strength. All he would have to do is lift a finger."

What does reading this do in your heart? For me, I was convicted at how little I'm willing or disciplined to do in lifting my finger the slightest bit to connect with my Creator. I'm challenged to make the smallest of effort because he's already come most of the way. I'm lazy, indifferent, assuming and stubborn...which causes me to miss out in bring with my Father. What can you do to lift that finger and close the gap?

Worrying never solves any problems

It is hard not to worry about someone you really love when you see them making decisions that are not in their best interest. When you see them make decisions that are not currently dangerous but could easily turn into a slippery slope...how do you just let them continue? There is one person in my life currently that is causing a feeling of panic inside me...I love this person more than anything and want to fix everything for them. It's always been this way but this person is at a point in their life where I recognize they need to start making their own decision and what it means to become an adult.

At what point in your relationship with someone do you take a step back and ultimately let them make mistakes and learn responsibility? How do you cope with recognizing unhealthy choices that someone you love is making but knowing they won't take you seriously if you express your concern? It requires wisdom, trust and patience: wisdom to know when to step in and when to step away; trusting that the other person will find their way; patience to allow them time to do so.

There are times when a loved one needs support, nurturing and direction, and times when these same expressions of love interfere with their process. Caring and caretaking are two different things. This is the crossroads I find myself at now. My whole life I've been a caretaker for this person...and now I find it an extremely difficult transition to just be a person who cares. I must now show support and compassion instead of making decisions and doing things on behalf of this person.

I feel confused, out of control, and panicked at not being able to do anything to help. I recognize though, that this person is capable of making wise choices and that it may take a few mistakes to get there. I will choose to trust God with this person and these circumstances. I can't quite describe the feeling I have but it's almost like this person is standing on a ledge...nothing bad has happened but I feel that they're about to fall. I don't want to borrow trouble from tomorrow. This is a great opportunity for me to exercise my faith! I cannot fix the situation, but I can pray for God to be the deciding factor in this person's decision making.

Lord, I pray that you would invade the heart of this person that I love so much. Direct them towards you and create in them a desire to live a life worthy of you. I pray for godly people to enter their life and mentor and invest in them. Help me to not worry but instead entrust you with the situation.