Coming back to this blog is like returning from a long trip away. The room feels cool and still. Furniture lies covered in tarps; cobwebs drape themselves in the higher corners. Footsteps echo and everything smells musty. Nobody’s here. Yet Someone’s watching. Someone who is willing to be my Advocate, who’s willing to give me a brand new song.
The walls have eyes that stare in, tourists passing through but determined not to miss the highlights. Oh. It’s You, God. While I was running in circles, trying to get a book deal, trying to keep my editing/teaching business afloat, trying to get rid of a bleeping migraine headache, You waited for me. Thank you.
The holidays always do a depressing number on me, and I trudge out of the old year, still wearing tattered hopes, unfulfilled plans. Sorry ’bout that. But the good news is that I don’t stay there in the old year–not that I have anything to do with it. God gently nudges me into January, into a new outfit of hope, into possibility.
Whether I smile and accept with open arms or I grumble and resist, God gives me Epiphany, a chance to adore, to give my gifts. I’m a toddler who refuses to cooperate, but before long God has me laughing in spite of myself.
And after Epiphany, God pulls a song out of His hat and voila! He puts a new song in my mouth and says to all creation, “Sing.” Suddenly I’ve got a new attitude.
What is it about us that always wants to forget how much God is our Advocate? It’s simple–not easy–yet I never seem to get it automatically. I have to be reminded every single time. I cry out, God bends down and hears my complaints. No hint of God only listening to worthy plaints or of God ignoring undeserving gripers. He stoops, he listens. My feet are set upon solid ground and I am safe once more. Awake and Sing! as the old Odets play’s title reminds us. Let us dance before the King.