"Why didn't anyone tell me?"
This was posted on social media the other day by an acquaintance of mine. When asked for clarification, he responded that no one had told him about God.
That made me think. Certainly, he had heard of the concept of a divine being responsible for the universe and everything in it, but this was clearly a revelation - a moment of clarity reached by some impetus that apparently many of us take for granted. Furthermore, many of us may not be doing our due diligence to introduce God to our brothers and sisters.
In Catholic school, we learned, not only that God is our creator, but He is omnipotent, omniscient, and ever-present. We were taught about countless scriptures from Genesis onward where people throughout history were determined that the rest of us know the God they knew. We were taught to pray to Him - with our thanks and our needs, for good wishes for our family and friends, for peace, safety, and understanding. We received the framework, but it was up to us to nurture that relationship and develop our capabilities to truly know God.
Clearly, people around the world have been introduced to the concept of a god. Many believe, many do not, many are skeptical. Incontrovertible proof is a futile goal. I just wonder how many who are out there have simply not been properly introduced.
God is your Uncle
While he did not directly raise you, he did what he could to guide you; he looked out for you, spent time with you, and did what he could to make you happy.
God is your Coach
He pushed you and let you fail. He inspired you and gave you a roadmap to success. He brought you together with others and taught you how to be a team.
God is the Sun
We cannot touch the sun, but we sense its effects. Without it there is no life. Its very existence provides for a relatively perfect temperature to enjoy our lives and be able to grow and thrive.
God is Nature
While some people look to nature as an all-encompassment of the divine, they are on the right track, but they fall short; nature is the imprint of God's design. Mother Earth is magnificent in her beauty, complexity and providence. She not only makes life possible, but she gives us countless avenues to explore and a bounty of wondrous discoveries.
God is a Stranger
She is the person who helped you somewhere along the way in life, and you may not even remember her name or face. Simply because you were a fellow human being with intrinsic value, she did something that made your day better or maybe even saved your life. She owed you nothing, yet she acted on your behalf with no desire for reward or compensation.
God is a Baby
A baby changes your life. With no obvious intentional act, a baby is the very embodiment of new life, hope, and possibilities. A baby puts you on notice that life is bigger than yourself. When you see that new distinct human, it is evident that life is both fragile and resilient. She is at the same time innocence and proof of a miraculous and meticulous plan. She gives you direction, responsibility, and capability. She renews your heart for the path ahead.
God is a First Date
She is someone you ought to want to impress with your best self while simultaneously not being too much into your own self. She is someone you should be intrigued to get to know and ideally hope to win. She represents the possibility of a future life. She is a test you need to pass on your best behavior, because in her lies meaning, love, and hope.
God is your Boss
He sets expectations and gives you opportunities. You interact on occasion, but he works in the background to facilitate what you do, even when you don't see it or always appreciate it. He ultimately holds you to account for your work and determines if you have earned a promotion. A good boss is just, wise, inspirational, and depends on your success.
God is the Janitor
Without him, you would live in filth and have a wretched existence, yet you rarely appreciate him for what he does for you. He does the job that many do not want or cannot do. He probably deserves more thanks and respect than is usually afforded him.
God is your Mother
She bore you, and you are a piece of her. She loves you unconditionally but knows you have to choose your own path. She always listens and always keeps a place for you in her heart.
God is your Father
He provides for you, protects you, and teaches you. He knows you will one day leave him to start your own family and life and hopes you always take his words with you - that you are an accurate reflection of him and that people rejoice in his name.
God is your Friend
He is true and steadfast. Even when you are apart, you feel and live a connection. He forgives. He helps. He has your back. He gives you refuge. He makes you a better person and brings joy.
Consequently, God is You
No, you are not a deity, but God works and lives through you: in your words, in your deeds and in your potential - in your relationships and interactions with the world around you. God is not a metaphor, even if that is what it seems as written above. God is very real and is ever-present in His creation. So, if you are looking for God (or are doubtful He exists), you need only seek in any of these directions in a truly tangible way. Those who are apt to dismiss for lack of proof, I submit are not honestly desirous of discovering truth. God cannot be found through scientific experiment or mathematical equation. Proof of the non-existence of God is not that evil or suffering exist. In a world absent tribulation, how many would actually seek to know and please God?
So, if you still do not feel formally acquainted, go ahead and take the first step to make an introduction. You will know Him soon enough.
