Nothing Like a Long Conversation (especially a 12-hour one)

So, shout out to my friend, Gwen.

She asked if we could meet for dinner, since she was driving through my neck of the woods on her way from Chicago to her grandparents' house in central Indiana. But our surprise dinner turned into a surprise sleepover because we couldn't stop talking.

At midnight, we realized her grandparents probably would be more freaked out than glad to see her if she bounced through their door... so we just continued chatting until 2:00am. yay! I can't remember the last time I talked until 2:00!

I'd love to have a transcript of the conversation, because it was just what I was praying for. (Turns out, people annoy Gwen, too. haha.) But, since we literally talked for hours, I'll have to settle for sharing just one thing she said that clicked with me.

First of all, we talked a lot about the difficulty of being with Christians who've been "babies" for a long time. To reference the "milk" vs. "meat" principle, it's hard to find people who are ready for a steak these days. For example, I said something about how sad it is that people come to Christ due to the scariness of Hell, rather than because their souls yearn for God. People believe the only draw of Heaven is streets of gold and....the ability to fly? Or something? And it's soooo much more.

As a kid, I remember thinking the material treasures in Heaven probably aren't worth an eternity, and I was afraid I'd get bored. But if I had understood the completeness that comes from finally being able to feel God's love, all the time, then the last thing I would have needed was a sermon about the horrors of Hell. I just wish everybody could understand that, too.

But, Gwen said something very sensible: All of us have to start with a basic understanding of Heaven. Part of the Christian journey comes from having incorrect views and changing them over time.... I had to misunderstand Heaven's treasures on my own path before coming to a more mature grasp of the concept.

I'm very concerned with feeding Christians big-kid meals--which is important. BUT, it occurred to me that I often risk choking a baby Christian on those solid foods, just because I'm sick of the milk myself. Yes, people go to church for 40 years and manage not to grow up, and that is bad. But, I have to be patient with those who are growing--just slower than I think they should.

Okay.....

Now, I've spent too much time in front of this computer today, and I'm going to leave you on that note...

Thanks, God, for sending a carnivorous friend. And thanks for reminding me to be patient with your babies.