Being a welcoming vessel...

When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
- Psalm 73: 16, 17

For a period of time following my illness a decade ago where I nearly died, I found I was just angry. Angry about some of the decisions I had made. I was angry about having no stamina for any amount of time. Angry that I had missed out on so many things, and how I had treated family on bad days. Angry that I felt abandoned.

The list goes on and on. I just couldn't seem to understand why life had changed. Poor Sully, my schnauzer, would listen to my rants, and then my complaints because we would walk a certain distance.  I would want to turn around because I was exhausted and he would want to continue the walk.

A few days I would just sit down along the Bayou and surrender to him. I would tell him, "Just let me rest and we will walk to the next street then turn around."

During this time I would slowly surrender the anger to God's holiness. Those walks became more about praying for peace, strength, and understanding.

God's presence, and my relationship, turned from lashing out, to inward sanctuary.

It's true, we are indeed vessels for the living God. I learned that God has a difficult time residing in a vessel that seems to have no place for the love of God. It's a reality that I think all of us must eventually accept.

Over the years I have met people who are just simply bitter. I live in a world that is full of conditions and options. God didn't make me sick. I live in an imperfect world.

Remember in the movie "Bruce Almighty" when the main character Bruce says God is like a child with a magnifying glass pointed on ants as they come out of the ant hill. He then tells God to "smite him."

I know people who believe that this is the only relationship they can have with God.

God didn't give me cancer. God didn't cause me to lose my job. God didn't do many things. I live in an imperfect world.  However, God had a plan to help me recover.

My life will never be what it WAS, but God has a plan for me TODAY and TOMORROW...

Remembering to enter God's sanctuary, which depends on me to make sure I remain open to God's love and plan for me simply makes all things possible, for ALL OF US!

Hope your day finds time to be an active vessel for God.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams, (c) 2021