Where Are You?

by Rachel Hackenberg | published on May 28, 2021

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; God does whatever God pleases. … The heavens are the Lord’s heavens, but the earth has been given to human beings. – Psalm 115:2-3 & 16 (NRSV)

Parenting college students is an interesting experience. They are grown but not, feeling limitless but not, ready to cut loose but not. My two college students are home from school for the summer, and we are (re)negotiating the parameters of their freedoms and their responsibilities. As a parent, I have an irritating habit of wanting to know where my children are … which isn’t a concern that is necessarily appreciated now that they’ve tasted the freedoms of college.

“You left home 21 minutes ago to go somewhere that is 20 minutes away – are you there yet? You okay? When can I expect you home?”

I’m chagrined to confess that I have the same irritating habit of wanting to know where God is. Constantly. “Where are you? Why haven’t you checked in with me? Who has your energy and attention? Any chance you’d like to spread some heavenly goodness on earth?”

What I am learning with and from the two grown-but-not adults in my home: they have the same questions I do, although.they frame the questions differently. “Where are you going, and can you pick up dinner while you’re out? When can I have the car? Have you read this tweet?”

Perhaps God has similar questions for me: “Hello, you who are made of stardust and mud? Why haven’t you checked in with me? Where are you rushing off to? How is your breath? How is your flesh? Who has your attention? When will you start embracing heaven?”

I prefer to be the one asking questions, please and thank you.

Maybe I should focus on answering them.

Prayer
Grant peace when there are no answers, God, and bless the questions that search for peace.

dd-hackenberg.jpgAbout the Author
Rachel Hackenberg serves on the national staff for the United Church of Christ. She is the author of Writing to God and the co-author of Denial Is My Spiritual Practice, among other titles. Her blog is Faith and Water.