In our book study, "Chasing the Wild Goose", it reminds me of a cute story I grew up hearing my Nanny (Grandma) read to us kids. It was the story of "Little Black Sambo". In the story, several tigers chase each other around a tree to get a piece of clothing they wanted from the other tiger. They were being chased and chasing the one in front of them at the same time. Eventually they all turned into butter and Little Black Sambo and his family ate pancakes and put the tiger butter all over the hotcakes. Since I love pancakes, that was my favorite part of the story. So what is the point you may ask? Like each of the tigers, we are chasing and being chased by the Holy Spirit. He is relentless in expressing the Father's desire to form us into the image of His First-born Son. Let us remember that in our pursuit of the Holy Spirit, He has been chasing us too - and probably much more focused and dedicated in the process than we have been.
Personally, this is a comforting thought. Having seen some junk surface recently that I was unaware of in my attitudes- it is good to know that the Holy Spirit is forever committed to seeing us be transformed. Holy Spirit thanks for chasing me while I chase you. I don't think we will turn into butter- but I still love pancakes. Blessings to all, John
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That is a great story. It seems that in different seasons of my life the process is different. Sometimes when I chase Him, He is easily caught. Sometimes, it feels like a game of hide and seek and no matter how hard I chase He is difficult to catch up to, causing me to cry out to Him. It is, in those seasons, more a function of my relationship with Him, than it is His catchability. I love the times when the chasing is a mere formality; when He says "I'm right here"; and He is. The reality is, no matter how we "feel" He's always close enough to "catch."
this reminded me of the story my mom would tell of me at the petting zoo at age 2. I was being chased by a large goose who had a hold of my diaper. The whole thing scarred me for life ( I still hate petting zoo's ) but the point is sometimes even when He cacthes me I will run scared, this lack of maturity in my life is a great wall to over come but I know my God is able to make me an overcomer.
Thanks John for reminding us of the reality that the goose is indeed chasing after us. Aren't we just so full of ourselves sometimes thinking we are all after Him when really He is so after us? And not just to transform us (like some kind of project) but because He's just so stinkin' crazy about us! He just likes us. That's why He made us in the first place 'cause the party just wasn't complete without us! Like you, John, I've had some attitudes resurface that I thought were gone. But the Goose, in His gentle but persistent way, keeps reminding me "It's just wasted energy. Don't spend any time feeding those attitudes anymore. Drop'em and come on, follow me." In my imagination, I am chasing Him in an exciting kid's game. And He's right exploring where He is going is much more fun...
Ha Ha, I couldn't help but laugh at this when I reflected on recently telling John about this kayak trip I had on the St. Joseph River. In between one of the portages I was getting tired and the next portage was long, the kayaks were heavy with food and clothing (3 day trip) My friend was way ahead of me and I'm kayaking on, not really in a hurry when I look back and notice a beautiful Swan. Looking forward, I quickly snapped my head back in realization this beautiful Swan was chasing me, it actually had a small wake behind him. For as tired as I thought I was, I found the strength to kayak faster than the Swan.
When I look back on that moment, I see that as a representation of the Lord chasing me and the grace that is so often a symbol of Swan's is really something I have been characteristic of running from. That's been my attitude change however without that moment, I really wouldn't have taken the time to consider it. In addition to the attitude, I have had an overwhelming increase of joy and excitement. I greatly appreciate it and consider this book to be part of it.
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