OK, I've got a mole or two. They might be the vestige of my 20's when I'd spend hours in the sun with a #4 tanning oil. I recently discovered a photo where I rival George Hamiliton for bronze-osity. Either him or a carrot.
At the urging of my wife, my visit to the dermatologist was yesterday. I was escorted to the exam room where I had to disrobe to my underwear and wait. I then realized I was sporting my only remaining pair of tighty whities---the garden variety undies that draw howls of protest from my sons for being...well....tighty whities. The rest of the underwear drawer is crammed with non-white undies--yesterday's pair was the elder statesman of my fleet. Super.
There's something about being nearly naked that produces a certain humility. Can't hide much, y'know. As I stood there waiting to be examined, my mind flitted to that moment when we'll be standing before God for that chat. Y'know, the review of what was done--or not done---during our time on earth. We've all got the appointment set and you can't cancel or reschedule.
No matter what we say or do, we all alter our truth to those around us. There are things we don't share with anyone---the tiny nicks and hurts, the thoughts and desires that shock us, the sins that are better left unsaid. We hide this stuff like I hide my tighty whities. No one knows what they can't see, right?
I wonder if that will be a moment when all of the pretense that exhausts us will be over. I think it will as no sin enters heaven. As I stand there, the realization of my shortcomings that place me so far from the gates of heaven will probably encourage me to just turn, leave, and hit the down button. However, that moment will also contain the glorious confirmation that what Jesus did for us will allow me to enter.
The exam room reminded me of things that I'd rather not have known---even so minor as underwear. Along with that was being able to visualize that time when I will have nothing left to hide because there is NOTHING hidden from God. As painful as that moment will be---it will be accompanied by the true realization of God's amazing gift through His son.
Luke 2:16-20
10 hours ago
3 comments:
Wow...that is a powerful image of our position because of Christ.
And I hope the undies were clean, "just in case you are in an accident"!
-Tom
Again, you never cease to amaze me at your odd but somewhat connected look at faith.
Sue
Very thought provoking. Brings to mind the concept of purgatory. Being brought up Catholic and having become even more devoted in my faith over the last ten years or so, I've thought many times about it. I have come to believe that none of us are free from all sin at the time of our death and that there may very well be a "preparation or cleansing" part of our transition into heaven (if our humble souls are chosen to enter). It's here that we repent and pray and cleans and purify ourselves so that we are fit to stand before the Lord God almighty. It reminds me of a song we sing during Lent, "Refiner's Fire". Just my humble thoughts.
Love your blog Dan. The Holy Spirit moves in you with words, so share all that He gives!!
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