Abide.

the cross is God exhibiting His nature. it is the gate through which any and every individual can enter into oneness with God. but it is not a gate we pass right through; it is one where we abide in the life that is found there. 
~ oswald chambers (my utmost for His highest)

The thought of 'abiding' struck me in a new way as I read it in the context of this morning's passage. Often times, I see the cross as a reference point. A moment to look back on and remember. Remember the sacrifice, and remember the victory. A glance back on my own faith journey. The day as a little girl when I accepted Christ's eternal gift for the first time. The defining moments that my life has been marked by way back when...

And yet Oswald's symbolism awakens my spirit to a new way. To not just enter and exit the gate. To not just mark milestones on the journey. To abide. To be constantly living in that sweet spot of grace. To be aware of our vicious cycle of brokenness and sin, and ever in awe of His loving rescue of redemption.

Today, we stop to remember His ultimate sacrifice. The reason He came.
But tomorrow, and next week, and in 6 months from now, I want to hold the same sensitivity and gratitude as I do today.
May we abide until we see Him face to face.

we all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning. 
~ hebrews 3:14