Hello again

It has been way too long since I posted something new on this blog. In view of that confession, I will jump over the intervening months and share a quote that startled me and has me thinking.
From the Annie Dillard Reader, quoting from The Pole of Great Price, comes this paraphrased quote: To study the stars we have to go out into dark. The stars do not demand that you study them, but if you desire to experience the awe of a star-studded sky, going into the dark is required. God does not demand that you have a relationship with Him. You can skip all the hassle and effort of Bible reading and prayer and many related activities. No one is demanding them of you. But if you desire to know God, some inconveniences will be required.

-- I will refrain from putting quotation marks around those words because they are not a direct quote. The concept of choosing inconvenience and effort, even discomfort in order to study the stars and especially to know God sort of flies in the face of popular spiritual pursuit. We want it simple and easy, something we can do in the left-over moments of our lives. But it isn't to be had that way. I was glad to be reminded that the truly valuable things in life require some sacrifice (of comfort) and significant personal investment.