Where is Your Chair?

I finally got the chance to attend a Willow service again today. The message was just what I needed to hear. Don't you just love when that happens? I sure do.

Faith and religion is something I have spent my whole life struggling with. I didn't have religion instilled into me when I was a child. I was never told to read a Bible, memorize verses, or pray to God. I went to church when I was little, but by the time I was nine or ten years old religion was gone out the window for me. I just never found it to be important.

It's been a difficult path to where I am today. I've questioned God and his existence and so many things throughout my life. Not knowing God is a horribly lonely feeling. I have never felt so alone and worthless than during those time.

But I wouldn't trade any of that to have grown up a different way. It would have been easier if I had been taught about Jesus and the Bible my whole life. If I'd grown up reading the Bible I would know so much more now right?

No, I don't think so. I've been on both sides of religion. And I made the choice- myself. No one forced me to believe what I believe, I chose it. If someone asks me why I believe something I can answer them, and honestly, because I made the decision myself and choose to believe it. It's still not easy today, and I still struggle on a day to day basis. But I know that each time I overcome and take another step I'm becoming stronger and stronger in my faith. I didn't grow up in a Christian household, but in the end it has made me a stronger person and it helps me cling to my faith.

But now back to the beginning- at church today Bill was talking about how people's view of God is so wrong. They think of God as this transcendence being that sits in the sky on his throne, and we are so separated from him. But God is everywhere. He's is the passenger seat of our car, at the chair next to us at our kitchen table, at the desk next to us at school. We can talk to him like he is our friend. And just like a friend you talk to them quite often, you make time for them because you value the friendship, you have to do the same for God. If you start taking time to talk to God and really listen you'll hear his whispers and what he wants for you in your life.

It was just a wonderful reminder that God is all around us. He's always right there with us. When we feel the most alone- he's right next to us. That just amazes me, and makes me feel at peace. I've felt far away from God lately, but I know what I've got to do now. Life is busy and hectic and sometimes it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day. But its important to make time for the most important things- time with God.