As Christians our goal is eternal life in heaven and I am guilty of getting caught up in “life” and taking my eyes off the prize.
The analogy of the tightrope walker is good; it gives us the visual of a man suspended high in the air fearful of falling off the rope to heaven. I had a real situation this past summer. Adair, my oldest and I were at JH Ranch in Etna, CA. We were the tightrope walkers suspended high in the air and we had to get across as a mother/daughter team. We have called Adair the risk manager since birth. She had palpable fear like Nouwen describes the “house of fear” with shaking, crying, anger, sweating and feet hurting. I became the “house of love” steadying the rope, loving her and encouraging her. Other mothers and daughters started to coach Adair and me with their love, support and encouragement. Why focus on the tiny rope of fear instead of the large “house of love” that surrounds us?
God’s love overcomes fear as in John 4:18; “perfect love casts out fear.”
I pray heavenly Father that we live in the “house of love” and keep our eyes on the prize, in your name we pray, Amen.
Beautifully written, Kristen.