Can't Get No Satisfaction
by Kathy Brown on November 5th, 2009 | 0 comments
Since our American culture is so into “feelings”, and “tingles” often become so-called proofs for a particular spiritual perspective, I will indulge in a bit of Christian verification. It’s not Oprah, but close.
Many years ago our family lived in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We had small children that kept my life focused on mundane work at home; so to spice it up I bought two season tickets to the University’s art events. The first evening featured Ray Charles. As my husband and I found our seats and waited for the hush that precedes a much anticipated performance, I assured myself that this would not be too much for the man next to me who often stated he was allergic to culture. Once the curtain went up I became enthralled with the huge, shiny piano haloed by light and a silky suede sound that poured out below dark sunglasses rocking rhythmically. All too quickly a grand crescendo signaled intermission, and I turned to my date for a glance of approval so far. And that’s when I realized he was asleep. Not only snoozing, but he had the audacity to clap loudly when he awoke. He seemed unashamed, whispering “would you like to get something to eat?” That meant to me we were going to have one of those tiny, ornate desserts with an espresso drink out in the foyer. For him, it was the moment to exit and head for McDonalds.
This recollection is not at all to disparage my mate. It is a useful comparison tool to highlight something that is true. C. S. Lewis describes human beings as people who long after things. We have a sense of “rightness” that we want back. The beauty of movement, paintings, and music speak in a universal language that beckons us into perfect understanding. The many ways we hunger, physically and emotionally, testify that there is an objective “otherness” we can’t completely grab yet. There is a desire for a purer love that pulls us toward an existence that we want; that we know is “out there”. All of this points to the Truth of the Bible: God will eventually satisfy us when we are in Eternity with Him.
And this Kingdom urging can be seen even in the most difficult cases. As I was scrubbing vegetables at the sink one late afternoon, I heard a peculiar sound coming from my husband’s study. I turned off the faucet and cocked my ear. It was a compelling, female voice that drew me closer and closer. In an instant, the song awakened in me a sad loneliness which was almost uncomfortable, but tucked inside this melodious envelope was an invitation of some sort. I quietly peaked around the office glass door, and there to my amazement was my man. He had his glasses off, but his eyes were gazing as if they saw something I did not. His feet were up on the desk and his hands folded: he was listening, enraptured by . . . opera! And this is my proof that there is a God who beckons us to Know Him. And someday we will.
From God's Word:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11
Next entry: Case Dismissed
Previous entry: The Call
back to Blog Archive