Human beings have a a small window of comfortability.  Most of us are comfortable at between 73-78 degrees.  W may differ a few degrees one way or the other but there is a small window of 20 degrees in which we live without benefit of shelter, clothes etc.  I was cold last night at 72 and will be too warm if it gets to 78.  May be it is just me.  Similarly, we have a small window of how we are comfortable with God also.  We want to have control of our lives, and want God to be in charge at the same time.  Maybe that is why God gave us free will.  I know that I love it when things come together and I can take a little credit.  I also know that I am not really in charge and that God has a hand in everything that happens to me.  It is almost as if I want my cake and to eat it too!  If things go wrong in our lives, we often ask God why and if things go right, we often take credit.  God gives us free will and yet we are commanded to take responsibility for our own actions… there are consequences to the things we do.  On the other hand, God forgives when we mess up our lives and God is always willing to hold us close and start over with us.  God wants us to love and yet knows our shortcomings.  God gives commands and is always willing to forgive when we disobey. As my window of comfort with God expands, I find my life becomes better and more balanced and my relationship with God grows and matures.  Open up the window… stretch it out.  Give God control.  Read John 15:1-17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed