The two perspectives

We can life from two perspectives. The first perspective says: “My purpose is to seek after the blessings of God."  This is the perspective of most people.  They say, “If only I had enough money, a better car, a happier marriage, a better job, a larger house, a more healthy set of friends, a larger credit line, a wider audience, a better reputation, a more spiritual church, or a more dependable car.” The second perspective is simpler: “If only I could get closer to the Source of everything.” It is not a desire for the gift but a desire for the giver. It is a lust for God which dwarfs all other good thing that can be found on the planet. I want Jesus. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the pursuit for more and better things. It’s so easy to look for easy relationships and a smoother past. But if we look at this adventure on Earth as a quest for God, we will see the futility of an “everything-in-its place” existence. When we chase God we realize that even our deepest sorrow and personal failures are a gateway to the divine.

I’ve learned this as I’ve dealt with a ten year struggle to see my oldest son come back to God. I’ve prayed endlessly, found better schools, healthier environments and opportunities for him to get healthy and to leave the toxic cycle of addiction that he’s been in. The story continues and though I pray that he will have his defining faith moment btoday, I have come to the conclusion that I am committed to wait and pray even if the return is ten years from today. In the midst of my greatest sorrow I have come to the realization that there is more to be learned here. I’ve learned about control issues, free-will and my own personally dog fight with the formidable villain of my own codependency. I’ve learned that your can have a wound in your soul and a deep abiding joy in your heart. I wouldn’t have known any of this outside the story of my oldest son. I’ve learned that the Baker is more valuable than the bread. I’ve learned that the Baker is the bread. He is worth desiring more than life itself.