Lenten Journal Day 26

Yesterday Ann VosKamp wrote:

"That is why, for Paul, the everlasting fire and destruction of hell is ‘exclusion from the presence of the Lord.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9.)”

Tears started. My reaction surprised me. Maybe it has been an overdue date, those tears. But I sat at my computer, and out loud I spoke. I don't want to be separated. No. I want to be with God. Always. And I want everybody to come with me. Everybody.

Yesterday my blog got flagged for abusive content. Maybe it was a mistake. A virus. Maybe it was someone offended by my writings. Whatever it was, whoever it was, my feelings got hurt. Flagging my blog ruffled my feathers. But this morning, I got up (actually wake up, pray, stand up), and the hurt had gone away. I felt no anger. I'm sad there has been an interruption in my journey. But really, it is also an opportunity. I want grace, and so, to be Jesus to others I must extend grace. And I really want it. I want it so that at the end of it all, when my head lays down for a final time, when I say goodbye to this fleeting moment, this here life on Earth, I get to be with our God. And I want to see Him, feel Him, be enveloped by Him.

And in the meantime I want to open my eyes. I want to taste this life. Smell the soft green Earth. Walk barefoot outside on a warm day. I want to take communion on Sundays and be immersed in the daily communion of life with our Lord. Our Lord. I want it all. But more importantly, I want the awareness of it all. Of all my surroundings. And in each step, again, I really want that grace.

And so, for that to happen, I must also extend it. That grace.
(Even to that mean ole flagger.)

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.