It breaks my heart, you know.
Just over two weeks ago, I was spending my days drinking up the Hawaiian sun. Picking my wardrobe was easy, when wearing a tank top and board shorts every day was expected. More time was spent in the sea that on land.
And the sea, oh the sea. Liquid bliss, warm enough to keep that relaxed aloha feeling going, cool enough to be a refreshing end to a hard day of work.
Startlingly clear, and teeming with life. The seafloor extravagant with coral and reef, and so so many different types of fish. The lifestyle of the fish reflects an amusing resemblance to the local-life. So connected to ocean, flowing with its strong tides.
Despite possible hardships or disputes, there is still always a common understanding that the bond of aloha, or love, is stronger than the temporary.
And as I sit here back “home”, trying my best not to freeze to death and constantly sticking out in the crowd because of my obnoxious tan, I ponder over the closest body of water I can find; our backyard pond. I couldn’t tell you if the water is teeming with life or not, for I can’t see an inch past the surface of the indiscernible brown-or-green water.
All I want is a quick swim, a relaxing dive, but there is no way I’m putting any more than a toe inside this water. Not to mention that it’s cold; and I’m still cold.
“Why am I still here”?
It breaks my heart, yes; but a bleeding heart is a beating one.
In short, I’ll live. No, the part that is most striking about being back in the good ‘ol pacific northwest is the coldness. I’m not talking about the weather, but rather in the crowd, the people.
As I mentioned before, there is something different about the people of the Islands. A sense of connection beyond differences, peace past disagreements, Love over…well everything. Being back here in Washington, I feel a surging lack.
A vast rift caused by millions of people deciding to “live only once” and focus more on their insignificant problems and petty disputes rather than the bigger picture of aloha.
In short, selfishness is in the way. There are exceptions to any topographical label I suppose, but if so they are few and far between.
Maybe I’m the one who’s off. Maybe I’m just experiencing an awful hangover from the 6-month sun drunkenness I exposed myself too. It could just wear off with time, and I’ll reflect on these two week wondering, “What the heck was I feeling?!” But I’m going to take a step off the proverbial ledge here, and say that I’m perfectly sober.
Why? Because you know what I think? I think people around here are afraid of the real thing. Too many people don’t open up, don’t truly love other people, because they’re afraid that if something so dangerously real like that were to crack or falter for a second, they would be obliterated.
Finally, I fear the church is afraid of real.
I realize that these statements must portray my attitude as very condescending and anti-aloha. I intend neither, and admit that I am very likely guilty of all three trespasses. But bear with me for a moment and attempt to see through my perspective.
To fully explain what I mean when I say the church is afraid of real, I am going to make a rather edgy statement here. Compare for a second; the ocean to God.
The obvious insignificance of created to Creator put aside, from a human viewpoint strong similarities arise. In them both, an unbelievable amount of life is held. The seemingly in-congruent traits of strength, beauty, peace, and passion are displayed ever so well in both.
And finally, when comparing our own power, authority, or desires to either, our own will is left lacking. As professional big wave surfer, gifted free diver, and ocean enthusiast Mark Healey said,
“I love the beauty of the ocean. That it brings out what people really have. You can’t lie to it, can’t bluff it, can’t bribe it, can’t talk it out of anything, it is the equalizer.”
That’s why some people are afraid of the ocean; they have no control over it. The insurmountable possibilities of the unknown are too great for people to risk putting themselves in a position of vulnerability. And if it wasn’t for the ridiculous compassion of our God, we would be in the same exact position when looking at ourselves compared to His power. Helpless and pointless pieces of sea-trash floating in a limitless ocean of strength and knowledge.
That is why I say the church is afraid of real. They forget that little differences between the ocean and our God. The ocean can’t love; our God gave the greatest display of Love forever known to history. For some wild reason, each one of us is showed amazing love and compassion by his sacrifice. It would be stupid for the church to put its whole trust in someone who we knew nothing about. But by whichever way He chooses to speak, his loving character is revealed to us.
That present love combined with the truth of His perfect strength is easily the greatest reason to trust anyone, ever. And if we could get past our petty disputes and problems of the moment, we would clearly see that putting our hope in God is the most obvious and most rewarding choice ever.
Like ever.
Looking past my current problems, looking past the fact that I am hours from the nearest ocean, and looking past the anti-summer epidemic that constantly affects Washington, I see that things aren’t bad around here. I am again reunited with my family who loves me more than they probably should, and I get to catch up with friends after almost a year of being gone.
But ultimately, my time here will be bearable because I know that my future and life rests in a Creator who is both of unlimited power and intimate love. And a couple other good traits as well.
(Linking w/ Michelle, Laura, On, In & Around Mondays, Shanda, Jen)
13 Comments
You have an awesome, talented, and very well spoken son.
Honest to goodness and well written post. Thanks for sharing.
So very true.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this post.
Kelly – Thank you. He is precious gift from the Lord.
Joy – Glad to have you reading.
Angela – And oh that the love of the Lord would flood us like a Tsunami & drown us in His goodness!
Wow! Your son has insight, faith, and wisdom. What a privilege to read his thoughts.
I found this post through Shanda Oakley’s blog hop. Very interesting thoughts about God, authenticity and water.
Great post! Let your son know, if he doesn’t already, that he has a gift with words.
This is such a wonderful, insightful post. I love that your son has such faith in God. And I agree with Alicia, his wisdom is so deep.
Thank you for sharing your son with us today! Stopping in from OYHT.
Simply God’s Girl
You have a precious son.
Alicia – Great faith he does have, my sister. For that, I am thankful! Am reminded of when Jesus returns & how He asks, “Will I find faith on the earth.” Above all else, I pray faith for my kids.
Laurie – Glad to have you visiting.
Angel – Thank you. I will be sure to let him know.
God’s girl – A blessing to have you. God has been so gracious and shone His face upon my son His entire life. He is absolutely one of my greatest joys and blessings. Not sure if he knows it, but I will pass along your thoughts.
Denise – Thank you. I sure think so. 🙂
“unlimited power and intimate love.” That’s my God! Excellent post. Lots of truth here to chew on.
Perhaps the great equalizer of the church is our brokeness … do you think we are afraid of it?
ps. You make your momma proud.
Thanks everyone for all the support for my son. He is a gifted writer with so much to offer the Lord in so many areas. Tour support and love for him is a rich blessing!