Life is Messy

When the year started, we had no idea about the things that were to come.  Looking back is to see this panorama of our personal life which includes many expected things, but most likely, a long list of things which were unplanned, more things like surprises, and more than a few things we would have chosen not to experience had there been such an option.  Life is messy and unpredictable.  Anyone who lives with the idea of being in charge, or in control of what is ahead is living inside an illusion that will one day come crashing down upon them.    

The Biblical narratives tell us such stories.  Anyone who reads the book of Genesis is surely reminded of the messy nature of life as well as how unpredictable it can be.  But, the thread that holds the family story together is the faithfulness of God.  He is ever present.  He is always taking them from one moment in their journey to another.  He never forsakes them to their own devices no matter how much trouble they bring upon their own heads.    

And, as we look back over the months of this past year, or the bigger picture of our life, we see this reality of God's faithfulness.  Most of us have come to the place many times of thinking that if we were God, we would have given up on the one we see in the mirror many times.  But, of course, He does not.  With a love that enabled Him to send His Son to Bethlehem and Golgotha, He loves us.  With a love like the father of the prodigal son, He is always at the gate of Home looking for us when we decide to wonder off into a place not in keeping with His purposes for us.  Whatever it is that is out there we will always be surrounded with His faithfulness and love and with such knowledge, we do dare to step into the messy future which awaits us.