It's You and me, God.

It's so funny to think that committing to a 40 day spiritual/physical sacrifice is challenging. We're supposed to be growing towards the cross, towards God, and ultimately towards that better person God inspires in us.
Sometimes, being committed to a lively, growing church becomes overwhelming. Between acknowledging the Sunday School lesson, "Big Church" (as all the youth still refer to it), the choir's anthem, the hymns, the bible study for small group, the Lenten bible study, my alone time, and discussion with other youth or adults, sometimes it feels as if the rituals surrounding this one-on-One relationship distract from what the true elements of being a Christian are all about.

Today's devotion brings everything back down to the most important element: God.

We often discuss the busyness of our daily schedules and routines. We talk about trying to commit to a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. Nouwen's devotion today reminds us that if that one-on-One relationship we have with God isn't the center of all the other activities, then we really aren't doing anything but making noise. We can discuss the Bible's quotes on homosexuality, managing money, or divorce; but if that "You and me, God" relationship isn't being built and worked and discussed, then those words are empty shells with good intentions.

So, I think we should set aside the books, CDs, choir practices, sermons, and discussions (for a moment) to evaluate the relationship we have with God. If that relationship hasn't been discussed and worked on recently, then take the time to pray, asking for enlightenment about how you and God relate and how you can make your life about the One and Only God.