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Are you pretending to be God?

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A day or so ago my 4 year old son asked me a strange question just before dinner.  He said, "Daddy, are you pretending to be God?"  I was caught off guard a little.  God language is prevalent in our home, but we have always been clear that we don't pretend to be God.  We haven't had a need for that discussion in a while, so I had no idea where he was coming from.  "No. Why do you ask?", was my reply.  "Because God always gives us good things to eat."

How cool is that?  I get so caught up in the doing of things and often think that it is all up to me.  Yet I teach my children to give thanks to God for every little thing.  Psalm 147:7-9 from this morning's daily lectionary reading reminds me of the source of all that is.

 [7]  Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
        make melody to our God on the lyre.
 [8]  He covers the heavens with clouds,
        prepares rain for the earth,
        makes grass grow on the hills.
 [9]  He gives to the animals their food,
        and to the young ravens when they cry.
 [10] His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
        nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
 [11] but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
        in those who hope in his steadfast love.
 
At the same time, I am aware that Paul tells us in his letters to be imitators of Christ.  Christian forbearers like Teresa of Avila remind us that Christ has no hands now on earth but ours.  So, in a way, yes - we do pretend to be God.  Or perhaps, through Christ we realize that we are a part of God, and our actions may be those of God.  But only when we recognize God as the source of every good and wonderful blessing. And only when we move from reverence into presence.

I think that changes everything.  Even the task of cooking a meal and providing care for someone we love.  Even the desire to move beyond those we love and care for those we don't want to.

So, have fun.  Be encouraged.  Let your life be a song of thanksgiving! Go on... just pretend you are God, or better yet - believe that you are God's, holy and beloved.

Amen.

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