When I was home over Christmas break in December, I pulled out some of our family photo albums ranging from my parents wedding up through my childhood. I quickly found myself in a trance flipping through the pages as I laughed at the goofy pictures and smiled at the memories. I still find myself in awe of how lucky I was and the fact that I had no way to realize nor fully appreciate it at the time.
Some of my favorite memories however, are those that weren’t necessarily caught on film. I loved going grocery shopping with mom on Saturday mornings, when she’d jump on the cart with me and ride through the parking lot. I love helping my dad wash the boat, even after the time I fell into the cold waters of the Mississippi in the middle of October. I loved helping my mom make her famous chocolate chip cookies in mass quantity that were gone faster than they were made. I loved going to help my dad with house projects, happily unscrewing outlet covers because at 4 or 5 you’re convinced that without you the project would never get done.
None of these projects required my assistance, but my parents wanted me there, wanted to be with me, know me, build a relationship with me. I was lucky enough to be raised by two parents who were in love with me from the beginning, and despite the times I was “bad”, they continued to love me despite my downfalls, and weren’t hesitant to let me know it.
While a relationship with God may not be as tangible, it works much the same way. He may not need our assistance daily but much like my parents desire for me to be a part of their activities, God desires for us to be a part of his plan. Much like mothers and fathers are hurt when their children are too big to give them a hug and a kiss, God is hurt when we choose to turn away from him and don’t come to him often in prayer. As the Lords prayer says, God is our Father in Heaven. He is the patient father, never forcing his will upon us but gentling guiding and showing us the way, in hopes that in growing and learning we will grow closer to Him. More than anything, God wants us to want Him.
Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 8:28
- a.e.
Amy Engle (a.e.) is currently a sophomore Digital New Media and Graphic Design double major at Creighton University. With interests in new and emerging media sources a blog seemed like the perfect way to get started. Faith has always been a central part of Amy's life. Growing up in St. Louis with her parents and four brothers church was a weekly event. Now at a Jesuit University, she has realized the importance of developing ones own personal faith and discovered the benefits of looking for God's presence in daily life. Check in for new updates every Wednesday and Sunday!