Online

We enjoyed a Blue Man Group performance this summer. Since then Rod and Zach (my husband and son) have wanted o build a tubeulon. A what? A homemade instrument constructed of PVC pipe. Cut in graduated lengths the pipes become an organ of sorts. When you slap the end of each pipe a satisfying sound twangs out the end. It’s one thing to watch professionals perform a stage show, and another to attempt recreating it at home.

My husband searched the internet. Viola! He found several websites with directions and construction tips! I was astonished. Rod looked at me and shook his head. “You should no be surprised I found it you should be surprised if I couldn’t find it.” Huh, maybe so.

Many things — everything — is at our fingertips on the internet. With just a nugget of initial information long lists pop up with websites giving an in depth look on any subject. Still Rod’s oddball search for a tubeulon amazed me.

It’s hard to stump the internet. I’ve tried. Obscure song lyrics, recipes with papaya, directions to anywhere, statistics, photographs, instructions, enrollments, opinions, the current weather conditions anywhere all of it there downloaded, cataloged and accessible.

While the boys were off buying PVC pipe and beginning tubeulon construction a thought struck me, I treat God like an online search. Like finding information I thought I’d never locate, I’m surprised when God shows up for me. I should not be amazed God answers my prayer, forgives me, comforts me, fills me with peace, loves me unconditionally. I would be perplexed if He didn’t. He comes through every time.

It’s impossible to stump God. He’s always there, always forgives, loves, comforts, always. Then how come I don’t always feel it? Glib answers come to mind . . .
“He’s waiting for me to come to Him.”
“Sometimes the answer is NO.”
“His has mysterious ways.”
Not very satisfying.

If God always shows up why does He confound and confuse me? Because His responses to my needs, prayers, and dreams sometimes don’t make sense. I’ll have an answer or plan all worked out in a neat little box and His response is so out of the box! Why does He do that? When I look beyond blind faith and trust (so hard to achieve) I view my relationship to God as any other good healthy friendship, one that grows, deepens and becomes richer as I discover more about God. I cannot explain God to you, rather I want to point out how worthwhile — essential — to life it is to have a growing relationship with Him. Knowing He’s online all the time comforts in the confusion. Sometimes I shake my head or scream my frustrations and yet I come back again and again. God is too complex and wonderful not to explore further.

Posted 8/29/2006 @ 2:35 PM | Weekly Thoughts