As Americans, we have perfected the shortcut.
Ready (processed) food, the (TV, music) remote control, and Google (goodbye library research know-how).
My neighbor's new washing machine has a setting that washes and dries the same load in the same machine overnight--ready and waiting in the morning, minus the personal valet.
We only use them (valets) when parking far away means too many steps for the limits we have inadvertently applied to our rigor.
It seems, however, there is no shortcut for relationship with God. We can abbreviate with each other through text and email, but God seems to be holding out for old-fashioned talking and listening. We even have to do the work of believing that He is there.
There is a payoff for this rigor.
People who allow themselves to be seasoned by much time listening and talking with God enter into the gravitational pull of His agenda. He has this uncanny way of moving us from our point A to His point B that we never saw coming. Before we know it, we have entered the arc of His making that captures us and teaches us to live life through the gifts that He gave us from the beginning.
I think God is slower than slow. Excruciatingly so. Rarely makes sense--I live surprised most of the time.
But the look back never ceases to amaze me. He continues to season change in me, keeping me in His gravitational pull, knowing me better than I know myself.
Rigor for my soul-keeping...no processed food [for thought] there.
