I recently was talking with a great friend who opened my eyes to something I hadn’t really given much thought, and I figured what better thing for me to do than share it with you all.
I know that God wants a personal relationship with me, and I strive to keep the communication and trust channels open for just such a thing, but as you dig deeper to learn the characteristics of Jesus and how God relates to you it really widens the experience. And that’s what my friend shared.
She asked me to think of a few things that I really like. Not obvious stuff like my kids, but deeper; those peculiar, wonderful things we love and that we have no reason why we do.
I like the sound of fingers sliding across the frets of a guitar. Do you know the sound I mean? I just love it.
Whenever I go to the beach I am compelled to dig my feet into the sand. Something about going from the hot sand to the cool, deeper parts just feels so good. I really like that.
And I love hot water. Not just a hot bath or even a shower, but hot water period. When I wash my hands at work, even, and the hot water glides over them, my whole body enjoys that sensation. Weird?
My friend reminded me of something I suppose I knew, but never gave much thought. The things I enjoy, God placed them there. We all have unique situations we enjoy; sights, sounds, a feeling, and these things are God-given. He wants to share them specifically with us.
So when I enjoy the particular sound of a sliding hand across guitar strings, God would say, “I enjoy that too.” It’s something special He and I share, a gift He gave me.
Deciding to dig a bit deeper, per my friend’s suggestion, I asked God about these things, and I asked Him why I like them so much. They’re all very special, but I’ll share one with you.
“God, why do I love hot water so much?” I asked, because it wasn’t something as simple as liking a good, hot shower. It was more than that. And I knew He put that exhilarating feeling inside me.
He brought to mind a memory. It was my first memory in fact. In this remembrance I am around three or four years old, and I’m in the shower with my mother. I remember being scared of the sound and the powerful spray, but she had said, “Don’t be afraid. Put your arms around my neck, like a koala bear, and I’ll hold you.” I had held on tight! Then she turned me towards the spray and I felt the hot water surround me. It felt so good! In that moment I felt safe. I felt loved. I felt wonderful.
My second memory from childhood was around the same time, but it was far different. I can recall the smell of burnt rice. The loud barking of a dog. The grating and frightening argument between my parents. This would be right before my biological father left us, and as a child I don’t recall what they were fighting about, but I do remember wanting to block it all out. The awful smell, the persistent yelping of our German Shepherd locked outside, and the angry words of my parents.
I did not like that second memory, and it was far different from the first. But I felt like the Lord said He was the hot water in my life. He was the comfort and safety amidst a world of too much. Too much noise, too much fighting, too much spinning out of control. He had placed my mother to be that guardian for me, and He had also placed that love of hot water as a reminder of His gifts to me. The example of a mother who protected me, and as I grew older a relationship with Him that provided the same and beyond.
Every time you enjoy hot water you’re enjoying me. You’re enjoying my presence, my comfort, the way I cover you. I like that feeling too.
I believe God puts these loves in our life for a reason, and I believe we can use them for His purposes. I believe He can use them as part of our dreams in life. So much about us means more than we understand as we are created by a Divine Lord who has more intricate purposes than we can even fathom. Perhaps my purpose in life is to share that feeling with others. To help them see the comfort, strength, and refuge the Lord can be in their life that seems to be too much to bare.
It’s nice to think about what God has in store for you, and though I’m continually learning and understanding His purposes as I go, it’s wonderful to experience His gifts along the way. It’s amazing to serve a God who loves us so intimately and shares our deepest desires that He placed within us. The deep thrill of hot water, and His voice saying, I enjoy that too.
Our lives-His Purposes, Ruthie's impressions says
I’m crying! Yes! This is VERY good! Thank you for sharing
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you!
Lisa G. says
Thanks Brie – that’s a beautiful perspective on looking at those things that bring us so much joy.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Michaela says
So much food for thought ? Thank you for sharing ?