Post by Susan Peabody on Aug 27, 2020 16:54:01 GMT
I was recently asked by a friend if my love for God was different than my love for human beings. I answered, “no, there is no difference—except to say I love God more.” “How can this be,” she asked? “Isn’t God like a benevolent parent watching over us. And, if so, wouldn’t you love a friend or lover differently?” “Not necessarily,” I replied, “because I use my imagination to personify God.”
I began to do this soon after a profound spiritual awakening in 1983 and continue to do so today. At any given time, I can love God like I love my mother—moments of respect and affection mixed with periodic anger and rebelliousness. Or I can love God as I do my father—awe and gratitude intermingled with feelings of security and safety. Or I can love God as I love my friends—satisfaction and appreciation swirling around great happiness. And finally, I can love God as a bride loves her intended with great passion and tenderness. All I need is an imagination and some quiet moments of meditation.
Sometimes, I even go so far as to declare that loving God in this myriad of ways is important to maintaining my happiness. Why? Because God (who is reliable and everlasting) can do for me what it takes many human beings to do. Because God will never abandon me as people can so easily do. Because on those days when I feel disconnected from everyone on the planet I can still enjoy the full range of love and affection through my relationship with God. In other words, I will never lack for love. Amen!