Breakfast with Dad

Some of my most treasured memories are breakfast out with my dad. These outings have evolved over the years and they have varied in frequency, but they will forever be something I hold dear to my heart. I come from a large family where family gatherings are more about crowd control than quality time spent with loved ones. So breakfasts out with dad have always been a place to connect, share, listen and learn.

A couple months ago we met for breakfast and the topic of REDEMPTION vs. SALVATION came up. My dad mentioned that he thought Western Christians put too much emphasis on Salvation. He said that Salvation is a one time deal and doesn't in and of its self lend to growth or change. You are saved and thats it. There is no need to make the planet cleaner, or learn to love people more perfectly, because you are saved and salvation is personal.

Redemption, he says, on the other hand is like restoring an old house. You work at it, slowly, lovingly. Fixing the roof, painting the walls, restoring the foundation, adding a garden. Redemption is the process of improving and restoring a life that was broken and damaged into a life that has been changed, renewed. Redemption is a process, redemption could take a lifetime. But its loves work, its joyful work. You look back on your work and you see progress, you see the door you painted, or the panelling you fixed. You see that with Love anything is possible.

Im going to miss that guy.

footnote: loose translation of conversation.