07-04-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 4, 2024
Guest Writer: Robert Neunkirch
The situation in our house right now is that we are one year away from our oldest heading off to college.  This has brought up some very challenging conversations.  While she may be ready to go out into the world, as parents, we still have a couple of decades of life experience on her.  As a result, we look at the college search from a different perspective and ask different questions.  I want to know how the academic programs are regarded, how much it costs, how much aid is available, how safe is the campus, and how close to home she’s going to be.  On the flip side, I have very little interest in the school colors or if the dorms have a “chill vibe.”  (I honestly don’t even know what that means.)  She is doing great and has come around to understanding some of our concerns.

This experience got me thinking that God must look at decisions I am making on a day to day basis in a similar fashion.  As I’ve been kicking this around my head the last couple of days, I imagine God sitting there trying to get me to see things from a different point of view.  I am sure he wishes I would ask more meaningful questions so that I can see the bigger picture.  I can hear the words “Robert, why are you focused on things that don’t matter?  Trust me!”  And in my head, God speaks with the supreme confidence of knowing what will happen, but also with the love of a parent who understands I don’t get it just yet. 

Loving God, we thank you for your unending patience with us as we all take our own meandering path through life.  We pray that you help us to use your patience as a model for those that we are helping to mold and guide through life.  If only we can exhibit the patience that you do with us.  Amen.