A welcome mat

I’ve got a welcome mat for God. It took me a long time to leave it alone. I used to pick it back up sometimes or set something on it so big you couldn’t make out any part of it. Once I’d caught on to what His presence within me intended to do, I wasn’t sure if that mat was gonna stay put at all.

Being with God is like being with someone we really, really admire. You know how you’re on your best behavior? How you’re watching what you say, even what you think? You don’t want them to see any of your bad stuff, and you don’t want to regret any word or any dumb move you make. In other words, you want to be better than you think you are.

There’s a major difference with God, however. Being with God, just being in His presence puts us in touch with the actual ability to be better. That’s what grace is. Grace slips into us and turns on this bright light. It seems intent on pulling into view what we’ve pushed over into dark corners. It is drawn to wounds, to prejudices, to habitual sins. We must be careful when this happens, because we’ve been conditioned to respond in one of two ways: push grace out while denying we’ve got those dark things; or, collapse under guilt, shame, and profound self-hatred.

That’s not why the grace of God has enlightened those corners. There is no guilt or shame — these are counterproductive. There’s just knowing, connecting dots, and an invitation to become, to grow, to realize (bring into reality) the person we are capable of being.

When we accept the invitation, oh! The real journey begins, and it is not to be missed.

Reflection

What does your welcome mat for God look like? In what ways do you remove it or cover it up?

Prayer

Dear God, I have lots of fears, doubts, and anger regarding accepting your invitation. A welcome mat is important. Guide me to know how to make one for You. I want to grow. I want to lay down all that keeps me trapped in fear and anger and doubt. I want to discover just who I am and who I can be. Help me to invite You in.