Open the door

I can stand in a room with another human being, and I can do something quite miraculous. I can tell myself the other human being is not there. I can shut my eyes so I do not see that person. I can hold my hands over my ears. I can resist any perceptive part of me from receiving any sign coming from that other being. In effect, I can — and in many ways quite accurately! — conclude that person does not exist.

This is what we can choose to do with God, and many of us do make that choice. God is not in the room in the way we expect, want, demand, or think we deserve so the shutdown begins. The part of us that gives consent to receive, to be open even the littlest bit, has pulled the blinds down.

And we’ve got good reason to, right? We’ve been hurt! We are hurt! God seems to show up for others in grand ways! Where’s my grand way? And as we nurse our wounds and review all those times “God didn’t show up,” we’re not realizing just how shut our doors are.

If we open only when what we want comes, fit to a tee, we’re going to miss out. If our openings are that narrow, then think how narrowed that “fit” must be! We don’t want that!

God is in the room with you. God has always been. Allow that truth to be. Do something every day, many times a day, to acknowledge God is there.

Reflection

Imagine five signs hanging in the room where you and God are. Each signs lists a reason for you to cross your arms and resist believing God is there. What do your particular signs say?

Prayer

I’ve done this before, God. You don’t hear me! I don’t hear you! This is stupid! … Help me to realize my pushback, my hesitation is born of anger, and anger is born of fear. Help me to find the willingness to acknowledge you and let you be with me in the way you choose. May I receive you and allow you to receive me. Amen.