For the past week I’ve been following the daily meditations posted by Matthew Kelly called “Best Lent Ever” which follows his book, “Resisting Happiness.” And, so far, I can honestly say that the short video messages I listen to each morning are leading me in a direction that seems to make more sense than my attempts at observing Lent in the past. Each day has a focus and a little mind homework to do. Today’s assignment was to take a few moments to write down my image of God as well as how that image has evolved throughout my lifetime. And, because I have a very positive image of God, I thought I’d share it with you.
My first image of God was that of a father. In that respect I am very fortunate because my own father was and is someone who reflects the kind of parent I believe God to be. Above all things, my father loved us and showed that love. I’m not merely talking about hugs and kisses, but rather his day in and day out dedication to his family, doing everything in his power to insure we were well cared for, healthy and happy. Like God, my father was generous; not giving us everything we wanted, but all that we needed. He was forgiving and tender; even at the times when we were what we would consider unlovable or unforgivable. Simply put, my dad provided the examples in my life necessary for me to form a vision of God.
When I left home, I sort of left God behind for a while as well. And, while that in itself is a long story, suffice it to say that because I had my vision of God fully formed in my heart, when I was ready to come back, I knew that God, like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (or daughter) would welcome me back with open arms. And God did just that.
In my early adulthood, after I became a mother, my vision of God really began to expand as I realized that in large part, I had become “god” to my babies. I provided them with what they needed and loved and nurtured them. It was then I really began to envision the depth and scope of God’s love for me and indeed, every one of us.
As my children grew from sweet toddlers into awkward and sometimes mouthy pre-teens with contrary opinions I began to realize that no matter how much they exercised their free will and made choices that were not what I would have wanted, I could not imagine not loving them. I simply can’t image anything they could do that would make me stop feeling that way. Like God’s covenant with us, that God will be our God and we will be God’s people; I am Maggie and Andy’s mother and they are my children. Period.
I don’t know how or if my vision of God will change as I move into the later chapters of my life. Perhaps I will add old friend to my vision. After all, God has known me since before I was born. What I do know is that I have truly been blessed throughout my life by God’s presence in it.
ps. More information on “Best Lent Ever” can be found at: www.dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/ I wouldn’t say it’s specifically a “catholic” thing, but a good thing to check out.