God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them ... And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Gn 1:27-31)When I read this I was suddenly seized with the idea that some of our most prominent characteristics, perhaps those which provide us with the most embarrassment (say, for example, extreme enthusiasm ... just to mention what could possibly apply to ... ahem ... me) actually might be the very things that God specially built in. That he might ... delight in someone showing all that enthusiasm. Not that I'm embarrassed (exactly) of being enthusiastic but it can lead to all sorts of awkward situations and does bring knowing glances from those who can recognize me in the throes of a new passion for something. Certainly, it has led me many times to rush forward where angels fear to tread.
... our truest, deepest selves were created by God simply for God's own delight in creating us. Each human being is a unique work of art; God throws away the mold after making each one of us. What this suggests, then, is that our lives have unique ways of praising, reverencing, and serving God -- even when we are unaware that we are doing it. I marvel at the array of talents and lifestyles out there, especially those that are completely foreign to me because they remind me how varied are the ways that people can praise God. Some people praise God through their friendships; others through their art; others through their perseverance; others through their work. In short, when we are most ourselves, doing what we are capable of doing, we are praising God.
But the idea that God is enjoying it, that if it is used to serve Him, in whatever way ... that was eye opening. And welcome.
If this is a new idea, you might want to take a few minutes to consider what He is delighting in that you haven't properly appreciated as a God-given trait or talent. It is truly enlightening.
Tags: Catholicism, Christianity
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