Ever had one of those moments where a thought comes into your mind and there’s absolutely NO WAY it was your thought?
On the rim of the Grand Canyon, I had walked about a mile from camp to watch the sunset in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. I found a pile of boulders, climbed up to the top and sat, watching it all by myself. Truly delightful.
If you’ve ever been to the Grand Canyon you know that there are tons of lookout points to which tourists flock. So as I enjoy the scenery I notice that off to my left, far off in the distance, there’s a lookout that is packed with humans. I can’t hear them, they’re too far away but they’re within view. I began to think to myself, “Wow, this is so beautiful, if only the people weren’t in the way.”
And that’s when it happened.
My stream of consciousness was immediately interrupted with,
“They’re my favorite part.”
What? Seriously? No. Not my thought. There’s no way. NO WAY. I actually completely disagree with that statement. If you know me, you know. I love people. Doesn’t mean I have to like them all the time… And certainly does NOT mean they’re naturally my favorite part of any situation. Nope.
But that’s how God sees us. His absolute, unquestionable, favorite part of every circumstance, situation, story.
So if that epiphany wasn’t enough.. He’s elaborated on it periodically over the last month or so. Ya know that person who cut you off in traffic? He’s God’s favorite thing in that situation. The teammate who does that thing that drives you nuts? Yeah, she’s His favorite too. The family member who has continually wronged you and you can’t seem to fully forgive them? Dang, His favorite. Gosh that’s hard. There have been so many moments where my internal dialogue goes something like this.
“Ugh, that person in this situation is THE WORST.”
“Favorite part, Amber. They’re my favorite part.”
“Are you sure? Like, really sure. Cuz I don’t see it.”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“For sure, for sure? Cuz really. Did you see what they did?”
“For sure. Favorite.”
Gah! Even after all that, my response most of the time is consistent with the eye-roll emoji.
But I’m learning, and the Lord is so sweet to remind me over and over. Eventually I hope it sinks in. Since my prayer is for my heart to align with God’s… People will eventually be my favorite too.
Who are the people that you need to remember are God’s Favorite?
What are the situations where it’s hard for you to accept that truth?
Maybe you need to realize that YOU are God’s favorite too?
Peace and Love from Cali (:
Dad, you’re God’s FAVORITE! Wow.
Here’s the view from that night.
People just a little further to the left on that cliff.
Friends at Horseshoe Bend
Where we got to pray with some guys from Singapore.
