This fall in the return to our in-person services, we’ve made a few changes to how we gather. One of those shifts is that our kids now join us for the first half the service and we worship together, before they head off to their classes. We LOVE the spirit that brings to the room. And we know that many of you at home as well are taking the service in together as families.
So this morning as part of our worship we’re actually going to read a storybook that’s technically pointed towards kids – so, YAY kids, we hope this helps you connect with God in a special kind of way.
But I’ll also say, that this moment (like every other part of worship) is for every single one of us, regardless of age. The words that Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner have put together, paint a beautiful picture (actually a bunch of them) of who God is, how God loves, and the place each one of us can find inside those arms.
So whether you are 5 or 105 today, let these words stir your heart to both wonder and worship.
What Is God Like – by Rachel Held Evans & Matthew Paul Turner
What is God like?
That’s a very big question, one that people from all around the world have wondered about since the beginning of time. And while nobody has seen all of God (because God is far too big for any of us to fully see) we can know what God is like.
God is like an eagle, sharp eyed and swift, with wings so wide you can play under their shadows.
God is like a river, constant and life giving. When you grow near God. You’ll sprout up strong as a tree.
God is like the stars, forever present and bright. Even when they feel far away, you can always look up and see them winking at you.
God is like a shepherd, brave and good, a protector who loves her sheep so much that she watches over all of them and knows each of their names by heart.
God is like a fort, strong and secure with walls that are mighty and safe. Inside, there are hidden places to hold you when you’re scared or need a quiet place to rest.
God is like a gardener, patient and nurturing. God plants, waters, weeds, and fertilizes the earth until every good thing on it seeks the nourishing sun and grows.
God is like the flame of a candle, warm and inviting. With God close by, you can look to the light and see through the darkest of nights.
God is like the wind, passionate and full of mystery.
God is both here and, mysteriously, also over there.
God is everywhere, swirling throughout the world, whistling across mountain ranges, rustling through the trees, and pressing against your cheeks on a breezy day.
God is like an artist, creative and unpredictable, always busy making and remaking everything brilliant and new.
God is like a mother, strong and safe. You can crawl up into her lap whenever you want to, and she will hold you until you fall asleep.
God is like a father, gentle and safe. He will put you on top of his shoulders to give you a bird’s eye view of all creation.
God is like three dancers, graceful and precise. They move to the same music in very different ways, showcasing all of God’s elegance and rhythm in your life.
God is like a rainbow, vivid and full of color, a dazzling reminder of promise and hope for all people after a storm.
God is like a best friend, faithful and true, closer to you than even your brothers or sisters.
And because we know what God is like, we know that…
God is kind. God is forgiving. God is slow to get angry. God is quick to be glad. God is happy when you tell the truth and sad when things are unfair.
She is your protector. He is trustworthy. They are friends when you feel alone.
God hopes. God perseveres.
What is God like?
That’s a very big question, one that people from places all around the world, throughout all time, have answered in many different ways. Keep searching. Keep wondering. Keep learning about God. But whenever you aren’t sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved. That’s what God is like.
