RUNNING AWAY OR RETURNING

 

Dear Champions,

 

The short excerpt is from Henry Nouwen, and the scripture is Matthew 11:28-30  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 

The voice of despair says, "I sin over and over again.  After endless promises to myself and others to do better next time, I find myself back again in the old dark places.  Forget about trying to change.  I have tried for years.  It didn't work and it will never work."

           

Jesus came to open my ears to another voice that says, "I am your God, I have molded you with my own hands, and I love what I have made.  I love you with a love that has no limits, because I love you as I am loved.  Do not run away from me.  Come back to me--not once, not twice, but always again.  You are my child.  How can you ever doubt that I will embrace you again, hold you against my breast, kiss you and let my hands run through your hair?  Come, come, let me wipe your tears, and let my mouth come close to your ear and say to you, 'I love you, I love you, I love you.' "

 

This the voice that Jesus wants us to hear.  It is the voice that calls us always to return to the one who has created us in love and wants to re-create us in mercy.  It is not easy to let the voice of God's mercy speak to us because it is a voice asking for an always open relationship, one in which sins are acknowledged, forgiveness received, and love renewed.  It does not offer us a solution, but a friendship.  It does not take away our problems, but promises not to avoid them.  It does not tell us where it will end, but assures us that we will never be alone.  A true relationship is hard work because loving is hard work, with many tears and many smiles.  But it is God's work and worth every part of it.

 

Champions, have a great week!-David Vining