The Passing of an Age

Each year around this time, something very unique happens. Beyond the Easter Bunny and the baskets. Past the Cadbury eggs and the Peeps (how long has it been since you’ve had one?). Something somewhat extraordinary happens. Actually two things happen.

The first thing, not as important or recognized by the world as the second, is that I celebrate a birthday. This was actually a pretty unique one being the first I celebrated in the US in about four years. I turned 30 this time around, which for some reason does feel a little different. I think I’m starting to see some grey hair, then again maybe I should still be glad I have it.

The second, more celebrated event, is when church parking lots fill, it’s hard to find a good seat in the pews and people gather with their families to Celebrate Easter. Families will enter churches together, maybe have a dinner together. Most of the true meaning will be lost in the Easter Egg hunts and chocolate treats. This isn’t an email to call us all to reflect deeply at the events that took place. Instead, think of the Love that it commanded.

I’ve been struck recently at different times by words in worship songs, scripture and in the presence of God at how incredible God’s passionate desire is to romantically pursue us. What? Does that even make sense? God is a Lover of hearts and minds and souls? Yah I think He is.

Recently while at a conference I found myself singing a song that I had never heard before. As the words came on the screen I nearly shuddered from the picture that God was placing in my mind and the idea from the words of the song.

“Romance Me” it said, “Dance with Me” it went on. Is this song for someone’s spouse? Am I singing a wedding song? Or could this really be aimed at asking the Creator God to love us in a way we may never have been loved before. How unbelievably incredible, this passionate God that literally holds the universes and stars also formed my being. This same God is also seeking a love relationship with me? Not only that, but He desires to love me even more than I could ever be in love with him?

Trying to wrap my mind around this concept is boggling, attempting to rewrite the experience makes me realize my futile humanity and my limited English. There are truly no words for how God feels about us. The passion that He pursues us with, the enjoyment He receives from that intimate embrace that only He can give.

Today’s culture abuses the word Love and all it’s meaning. It was love that put Christ on the cross. God loved us so much, and He desires us so much that Christ died so that we could have that relationship with Him. Yes that love results in an eternal life in heaven, but also here, while we are living on earth that same love brings life to our death.

Again, this is still something that I’m trying to wrap my mind around, and I apologize if it doesn’t make sense. It’s just something that continues to absolutely amaze me. The words we sing in worship, the act of Christ dying, the Bible and it’s love story and God’s wonderful presence all move my heart. I just hope that it’s something we come to recognize and continue to appreciate more this weekend and the rest of our lives.

I am praying that you all have a wonderful Easter weekend and time with family, friends and God. May he truly entice you into a deeper place in His heart and that an intimacy with Him would be your hearts desire.

Thank you once again for every single prayer and thought and email and dollar that you’ve helped me with. God is taking us on a journey that is only for our good, yet we must learn to take the time to listen to Him and follow His voice. Training our ear to the voice of our Creator, Father and pursuer of hearts as we walk out this life.

Once again I find myself at the end of a letter, not really knowing where this next age will take me, or how long the road or journey will last. But knowing and trusting completely that even at the passing of this age, His voice is reassuring me of the place I find myself today.