Finding Out What’s Real

This is the second piece in a series aimed to help us find “Real Life and Real Love” with the help of a classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Did you enjoy childhood? A time of life where the world was exciting and full of possibilities. That is the way it’s supposed to be all throughout our lives, but few enjoy such a reality. God created this world for us to enjoy and to see His glory. Sadly, for many, even childhood is a fearful place of dangers — landmines of explosive anger fill the home, hurtful words create perpetual shame, and broken hearts long for an illusive happiness. Scripture says that longing is placed there by God Himself. It actually is a longing for eternity — for the Creator. And it is a longing God wants to fulfill — to bring to your life! But the journey to “real” is often difficult and dark. Eventually even the best childhoods descend into shadowy paths of confusion. Life scrubs off our illusions of what’s “really splendid,” and we find ourselves like the Velveteen Rabbit discarded and forgotten in the midst of people and events that feel bigger than us–grander than us. All around us, voices declare their worth and superiority. In the cacophony, we begin to wonder – who am I? What can I offer? Why am I here? And then, underneath it all, other questions bubble up … are they even right in what they say? Who do they think they are? If fear incites us to pride, we’ll become cynical and judgmental of others and march off with an attitude like most others. But if we watch for the hand of God, we’ll find people who will help us find our way to the design and plans God has for us (Ephesians 2:10).

“What is REAL?” asked the rabbit one day. “Real … is a thing that happens to you when a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” [answered the Skin Horse].

Countless verses of Scripture assure us that God gives life and personally guides us along the way with a perfect love. But it doesn’t always feel like it. Friends are key to helping us endure the losses, failures, and injuries we encounter on the road of life. For those who hope in the goodness of God, there is even more:

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” Malachi 4:2

All of this life opens the way to eternal treasures. The Apostle Paul described life’s problems (which for him included beatings, jail, betrayals, chronic ill-health) as light and momentary afflictions preparing a lasting glory! (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Faith reframes everything. Let’s eavesdrop again on the nursery conversation in the Velveteen Rabbit.

“Does it [being real] hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt…It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. “

Where are you on your journey to “real?” Perhaps you feel broken or recognize sharp edges keeping you from the fullness of life. Take heart – the Creator really really LOVES you. The journey is long and includes some hurts, but He is faithful. Follow along with this Velveteen Heart series and be amazed at what God has planned. Real is worth it!