He Loves Us Anyway

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I find myself in the unique position of spending it without my family. Circumstances led us to this different situation, and while I’m not upset about it, it is a weird dichotomy. I miss them, but I’m happy that they are having fun. I miss them, but I’m enjoying the time alone. I will be very happy to have them back home safe with me, but I don’t miss fighting with teenagers. 

I’ve always been interested in these dichotomies in human life and in our faith life. How in the world can we be happy and sad at the same time? It seems overly complicated, but I’m not sure I’d want life any other way. I also appreciate how I can be so thoroughly unlovable at times, but God loves me anyway, and He has put people in my life to love me as well.

I recently read a book called, Redeemed: Our Lives as Saints and Sinners, by Dan Hoppen. The author walks the reader through all of the worst of human behaviors like distrust, fear, and pride, but he doesn’t leave you there. He then talks about God’s loving response to us as his beloved children. It is amazing to me how God pursues us even in our sinful state. Why would he waste time on a person like me who can’t keep it together for even a day? Well, the answer is that He created us, He loves us, and He wants to be with us forever. He knows our “pet” sins, and He loves us anyway. I think that is my favorite dichotomy of all.

Lydia Massie, Director of Children’s Ministry