Sometimes the concept is better than the reality. Plenty of things in life “look good on paper” but turn out to be a little less than good when actually experienced.
Like caviar, for example. Four words about the reality of this “sophisticated” snack food: salted, slimy fish eggs. Other concepts that don’t always measure up might include free timeshare vacation offers, complicated do-it-yourself home repair projects, or trips to Disney World in July.
On the other hand, sometimes the reality actually and happily turns out to be better than the concept.
For me, being a grandparent has fallen into this category.
When my son and daughter-in-law announced that they were expecting a baby, I was frequently asked if I was excited about the idea of becoming a grandmother. I always answered, “Sure!” After all, what kind of social retard would say, “No way–I hate the idea of being a grandma”?
That would be like admitting you don’t like puppies or desire world peace.
But being a grandparent was just a concept to me. How could I know if I’d like being a grandmother when I’d never been one? The job description seemed very appealing, but I’m annoyingly realistic and find it uncomfortable to endorse something until I’ve tried it.
My memories of my wonderful grandmothers include vivid mental images of gray/blue hair, support hose and orthopedic shoes. I wasn’t sure I would fit very well into that mold.
“Is it legal for grandmas to wear running shoes, blue jeans and t-shirts?” I wondered. “Is it okay for a grandma to play a guitar and hit golf balls?” I feared that the International Order of Grandmas had strict guidelines about such things and I’d surely never be approved for membership.
But last month, grandparenthood became more than a concept — it became a wondrous little eight-pound reality. I no longer had to try to wrap my brain around being a grandmother because I could now wrap my arms and heart around my grandchild.
Edda Rose Crum entered the world and I was immediately and thoroughly smitten.
In a flash, “grandma” was no longer a job description – it was a relationship. The vague concept was instantly transformed into the amazing reality that I get to hang out with, love on, and hopefully bless the life of this precious bundle of ultimate cuteness … even if I can’t knit and don’t wear my hair in a bun.
Hmmm … I feel an analogy coming on, as it occurs to me how closely this parallels our relationship with God.
How do you see God? As an unpredictable, scary tyrant? A whimsical Santa figure? A distant, impersonal, unknowable force? A vague concept?
How do you see devotion to God? As a chore? A foolish waste of time? A good luck charm? A ride on the guilt train?
The reality is so much bigger, so much better!
Christianity isn’t a concept or a job description, it’s a relationship. Being a Christian isn’t about looking “religious,” it’s about being in love, and letting that love progressively transform us into the image of the One we love – Jesus Christ.
The reality of relationship with God is infinitely better than the concept of religion. Once you experience the former, you’ll never settle for the latter.
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18