Just Get to Him
Photo taken at Chacchoben Ruins outside of Costa Maya, Mexico
While on an excursion a few weeks ago, we traveled to the Chacchoben Ruins. There was much beauty to recount, but I was struck in particular by a set of stairs which provided safe passage for people to go and worship in the temple. There was a series of options; one was wide, but steep; another narrow and still another option that was designed for someone with shorter legs. Our guide shared that the people kept creating avenues for the people to worship, including the children. While screaming in my “inner man” I found a way to hold it together on the outside….after all, I was in another country and needed to get back to the ship. LOL. But My God! I took pictures and I resonated deeply with the consideration that the people recognized the importance of worship such to the extent that they continued to provide a means for all who desired, to get to their god(s). And while that may differ from the God I choose to embrace, the concept was universal for me. In each case, the first step was large and looming, but after that, it was within reach - just as God is today.
When we travailed the stairs, there was a beautiful temple. It can’t be seen until you reach the top - just as God can’t often be experienced outside of His presence. James 4:8 affirms our movement. It reads, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” How comforting and equally frightening. As life “lifes” weariness, disappointment, hope deferred and dare I say anger can render us immobile. Taking a step while seemingly perceived as easy is actually filled with complication. When we consider a toddler, it’s simple to encourage them and lend the support of outstretched arms and affirmation to support their efforts; yet movement toward God doesn’t always appear as audible and the feeling of His presence or beckoning may not present in a similar manner. It’s truly up to us to assume the first step and whatever is within our power to get to Him for what we need.
Speaking for self, making my press to Him amidst the noise or even the evidence that suggests that He’s on His on excursion or holiday is essential. When I don’t, I’m out of sorts. I have less patience and less extension for those whom I love, let alone those who I’m interacting with because of duty or expectation. Sometimes that first step is tangled within the busyness of the day or transparently speaking, because I’m exhausted from the climb of prayers that have yet to be answered in the desire to which I prefer. Yet taking the first step is always more beneficial than not taking a step at all. Not taking the step sets me up for risking it all and God has been far too good for me to play those type of games. So, reluctantly, trepidatiously and hesitantly, I take a step toward the God who stays on the ready to meet me and my baggage with love and embrace. I’m grateful for the many options to reach Him - the expansiveness of His care when I’ve been broken, the narrowed path when I’m reminded that my focus must be solely on Him and the steepness as He beckons me from the constructed pitfalls for my demise. No matter the “way of escape,” we must build the practice to get to Him - and upon arrival, WORSHIP! As a result, we won’t be the same and our return path will be much more manageable.