God Said... I Said...

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God said: I miss talking with you.

I said: What? I just prayed on Sunday.

How often do you talk with Katie?

I dunno.

Think about it.

Well, OK. Let’s see . . . we usually hang together before school, then we have English and math together. And — oh yeah — we’ve got study hall together in the afternoon. And lunch, I forgot about lunch. We eat lunch together every day.

So how often do you talk with Katie?

I guess all the time. We call each other a few times during the week to check on homework stuff. And we instant-message a lot in the evenings when we’re both on the computer. I’d say we pretty much talk all the time. After all, she is my best friend!

How often do you talk with Me?

I don’t know.

Think about it.

Sigh. Well . . . on Sundays at church — and at youth group. You know.

I’d love to talk with you more.

But God, I already give You chitchat time.

I want more than chitchat. I’d like for you to tell Me everything.

Everything?

Why not? I already know what you’re thinking anyway.

Yeah. And that’s just it! If You know everything, what’s the big deal about me having to talk with You?

Having to talk? Hmmm. I was hoping it would be more of an enjoyment instead of an obligation.

Ah, You know what I mean.

You’re right, I do. And that’s exactly what hurts Me. Most of the time when you speak with Me, it’s because you feel you’re supposed to, or it’s because your back is against the wall and you need help — fast.

I didn’t know You felt that way.

My child, I paid the highest price I could pay for you. I long to be with you and to hear you voice your thoughts, your joys, your tears, your loneliness, your victories.

Well, OK. If it really means that much to You. But I still don’t get this prayer thing. If You already know what I’m going to say before I even say it, what’s the point in telling You?

It’s the process.

Huh?

Remember last week when Katie took first place in the track meet?

Sure! I remember. Boy, was she excited!

Yes. And you were, too.

Well, yeah. I am her best friend. You know.

But you actually heard about it before Katie told you.

Oh, yeah! Jason told me before I even saw Katie.

But when Katie rushed to you, waving her ribbon, you were just as happy and proud for her as if you were hearing the news for the first time.

Yeah.

That’s friendship. That’s relationship. That’s love. Would you have wanted her to keep the news from you because you already knew?

No way! I love it when Katie gets excited. Her face lights up with that crooked grin, and her eyes glow like sparklers.

I feel the same way.

Hmmm.

I not only love for you to tell Me everything — I can’t wait to hear it!

I think I’m starting to understand.

I’m not finished with Katie yet.

Oh?

Yeah. Let’s keep talking about your friendship for just a bit longer.

OK.

The more you two share (secrets, giggles, notes), and the more you two do (trips together, youth group parties, football games), the closer you become.

So it’s doing stuff that makes us such great friends, right?

Partly right. But I really want you to think about this, OK?

OK.

It’s also the p-r-o-c-e-s-s.

I’m thinking.

The time invested in sharing and doing.

Yeah. I get it. We’re sort of investing ourselves in each other’s lives.

Exactly. And your friendship is growing because of it.

Yeah! Cool.

Do you hear what I’m saying?

Keep talking. I’m listening, God. I really am. I want to get this.

Your relationship with Me is pretty static right now.

Static?

Yeah. Dull. Boring.

I didn’t think You noticed stuff like that.

I’m God, remember?

Oh, yeah.

But it doesn’t have to be static. Don’t forget. I died so we could have a relationship — an exciting, fun relationship, not a boring one.

Well, what can I do?

Spend more time with Me. Talk to Me. When you cry, let Me wipe your tears. When you ace a history exam, share your good news with Me. When Lisa snubs you in the hallway, tell Me how bad it hurts. I want our relationship to grow.

Wow. Lord, I’ve never even thought of all that. I mean, why would You be so interested in my everyday, ordinary life?

Because I love you. Oh, how I love you!

Jesus, I’m sorry. I’ve pretty much left You on the shelf. I mean, yeah, I go to church, and I even read my Bible at times, and people know I’m a Christian. But You want me to grow in You too, and I haven’t been — I’ve been static, just like You said. Will You forgive me?

I forgive you.

Jesus, I want to have a best-friend, Lord-of-Lords relationship with You. I want You to own me and consume me.

Yes! That’s what I want, too. And you know what?

What?

I love the way you’re praying right now.

Praying? I’m not praying. We’re just talking.

Yeah. And that’s exactly what prayer is.

I get it.

Open, honest, consistent communication.

I can’t wait till tomorrow morning.

Why’s that?

I’m going to get up early and pray.

You don’t have to wait till tomorrow morning. Talk to Me when you get up at 1:30 a.m. to go to the bathroom.

Really?

Sure! And at 3 a.m. when you’re tossing in bed and scrunching your pillow.

Hey! How’d You know I always? . . . Oh, yeah, You’re God.

Right.

Well, in that case, how about hanging out right now? I’ve got some stuff I need to talk with You about.

Great. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.