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is God to You? by Karen Barta-Gaskell A friend of mine asked me today, "Who is God to you?" I hesitated for a moment, because I really didn't know how to put into words the most important relationship in my life. I was afraid that any answer would sound trite. I thought for a moment and I told him that God is my best friend and He wants only what is good for me, that which will make me happy and allow me to be the best person I am capable of being. I went on to say that if I stray off the "right" path and take certain actions that are not healthy for me, my Higher Power won't try to stop me, because He also wants me to have choices and be able to learn positive lessons from my mistakes so I am able to grow as a spiritual being. However, He is always with me, offering guidance. The trick is that I have to stay close to my God or I might not be able to hear his suggestions. I have to be willing to listen. As I think back the response I gave to my friend, it really didn't do justice to the deep relationship I have with my God. My God is more than just my best friend. God is everything good. The greatest, most positive force of spiritual energy. God is the lake I walk around every morning and the ducks I see happily swimming in it. God is the baby in the stroller whom I smile at as I pass her by. I believe my God has given me an earth that was meant to be heavenly if I am simply willing to stop, look and listen. My friend was asking about God because he felt that if He truly existed and was so loving, why then had his life been so difficult up until now? I told him I didn't really have the answer to that question, but I asked him if he prayed for solutions. He said he did, but that it didn't seem to help. I suggested that he just continue to ask for guidance, because I have learned that it's not my questions that are being ignored by God, but that I wasn’t listening to the answers being suggested. In my case, it has taken practice, patience and a great deal of faith. With that faith comes my growing commitment to stay on track with my God. I nurture our relationship every day through conversation. When I am fully aware of my higher powers' presence, I can more gracefully make the decision not to get upset with another driver on the road. I know my God is with me when I am graced with moments of patience as I raise my 15-year old daughter. I know God is with me when I take a few minutes away from writing to watch a bird balance itself on my bird feeder to enjoy some food. Finally, I know God is with me when I am able to look in the mirror and feel unconditional love for myself. Karen Barta-Gaskell is a native Minnesotan from Minneapolis who worked in radio and television journalism for more than 20 years as a newscaster and reporter in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Oklahoma City. She continues to work in communications in addition to her freelance writing endeavors. She has had articles published about spirituality and recovery. Contact her by e-mail at kjgaskell@att.net Copyright © 2002 Karen Barta-Gaskell |
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