On Saving Grace

Wednesday, January 23rd:
Wednesdays are the day that my staff has a "vocational discernment" discussion time in the middle of our work day. This month, we're reading "The Prodigal God" by Tim Keller--a very one-sided approach to the interpretation of the parable of the prodigal son (the rest of this blog will operate under the assumption that y'all are familiar with this story, so if you aren't, it's a quick read in Luke 15:11-32. Or Google/Wikipedia probably knows about it, too.) I've never been super into book clubs or Bible studies, mostly because I like to spend time thinking about what things mean on my own, rather than discuss every nuance with other people, but we did talk about something today that I found really meaningful. Keller's book mostly talks about how, although it's not as easy for us to understand, both of the sons in the story are sinners, in their own ways. But, the incredible part is that the father is accepting and loving of both the boys and extends an invitation to his biggest feast to them both even though in Biblical times it would have been incredibly demeaning for the head of household to run anywhere (as he does when he sees the youngest son return) or to beg and plead (as he does with the eldest son). Without getting into all the details of the book, even the layman can understand that Jesus is referring to the unconditional saving grace of God, our heavenly Father. How does it make you feel to know that no matter what you do, God has a place for you in his House? So then...why do we try to do good deeds and live good Christian lives, if this whole time we could have been a serial killer and either way God will love us just as much and extend us just as much saving grace?

Here is where it is important to put God in the father role and you'll better understand my own personal answer to this question. I am beyond blessed with an incredible dad. I know that no matter what I end up doing with my life--prescribing drugs or dealing them--he would never love me more or less than he does now. But, doing the right thing in hard situations, growing and learning in healthy ways, and living life with compassion and love are things that could make him really proud of me. I think he would feel happy to know that I let him guide me, or even just glad that when I didn't listen the first time, I came to him when things went wrong. And, as someone who loves him beyond measure, the question becomes why wouldn't I want to try to do all the right things to make him proud? No matter that his love for me wouldn't change. When we think about God this way (and I found that this was hard for my roommates to grasp, because they, sadly, do not have as great a relationship with their dads as I do with mine) then we can begin to find out if we're doing things so that He will love us more (pointless) or simply because we love Him and like any son or daughter, want Him to have something to brag about.

So anyways, having those "Aha" moments about your faith seem pretty beautiful to me, as well as the reminder of how great my dad is. (Also my mom is amazing! I mean, she sent me funfetti frosting in the mail this week, so I think you understand.)

Thursday, January 24th:
Today I got to witness a human saving grace. The alternator in my car had died and I needed a new one to be put in--generally around $200. (Sidenote: That is almost all of the money that I make in an entire month) When our local garage didn't have the right parts, they had to call another bigger store out of town. Apparently, when the local guy explained to them that I was here working for ASP, they decided to just give me a new alternator. For free. Needless to say, I feel relieved. That kind of giving spirit is definitely beautiful and I hope that I can pay this forward in some way.