This morning I picked up Thomas Oden’s personal and theological memoir A Change of Heart. I have read snippets of Oden but never much. I was attracted to this volume because of Oden’s journey into and out of liberalism. It was also recommended to me by a number of people including bookaholic and super-pastor Clay Knick!
In the preface this phrase caught my attention,
“I was blessed by baseball, but more so blessed by my Grandmother who prayed for me every day. I always knew that she and God would be there for me. In her own way she led me to believe that sooner or later I would get some hint from God about doing something I could do that really needed to be done. She planted the seeds of belief in me which let me trust that providence was at work in my life, and that our free choices are being encouraged by God’s grace.” (p.10)
Firstly I love the imagery of God’s voice as a hint. Not a booming declaration but a spirit nudging hint. Secondly, I love Oden’s concept of providence and choice with God’s grace positioned firmly at the centre.
I am sure these will be with me throughout the day.
