Guest Blogger: Greg Kronz

Today’s guest blogger is Greg Kronz.  Greg is the Rector of St. Luke’s Hilton Head, SC where he has served since 1992.  My favorite bit of Greg Kronz trivia is that he coined the term, “Steel Curtain,” referring to the infamous Pittsburgh Steelers defense of the 1970′s.  Seems Greg was a ninth grader at a suburban Pittsburgh high school when he submtitted the winning phrase to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s contest.

Following is a book review he wrote in response to my request for an article:

“SPACE FOR GOD”

The book, Space for God by Don Postema, has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to grow in my relationship with the Lord in a little different way than usual. Allow me to explain.

Space for God uses Scripture verses, hymns, poetry, quotes from the “desert fathers” and art to cover each chapter’s topics. The art, though at times diverse, is primarily scenes and people painted by Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt. I knew of Rembrandt’s faith, as is clear from his art. I did not know about Van Gogh’s faith. Though he was troubled and his art wasn’t often overtly “Christian,” he had quite a faith. I grew to appreciate him, as well as this “devotional style” in a new, fresh, and different way. The devotional also encourages “journaling,” which I found to be a rewarding and blessed experience.

Some of the topics Don Postema addresses are: “Making Space,” “I Belong” (to God, and to His family), “Gratitude” (addressed in a couple of ways), “Prayer” (also addressed in a variety of ways), including “Wrestling with God,” and prayer regarding “Justice and Compassion” (together–a new idea for some), and “The Goal is Glory.”

Several overwhelming thoughts permeated Postema’s book, the essential nature of prayer being one of them. My prayer life was deepened using this wonderful tool. Another idea he develops is that of gratitude. Oftentimes, gratitude is a theme in sermons around Thanksgiving; but in our day and age of “entitlement,” “you deserve…” in ads, and “taking care of ‘me’ or ‘number one’,” the chapters on gratitude helped me to remember the need for gratitude even when “not everything is going the way I want;” when “I can’t control what is going on in my life.”

I read another article recently which said that in life, 10% is what happens to us, and 90% is how we react or respond; so, we do have more control than we think! A heart of gratitude, beginning with God’s gift of life, gift of love, gift of His Son, gift of salvation, gift of His Holy Spirit (and I could go on!) sets a helpful perspective as we pray and as we begin our day!

Thirdly, the whole idea of “I belong” and, in particular, I belong to God, I belong to the Body of Christ, I belong to the church, and those around me; those who love me, with whom I share community. In a day of “busy-ness”, stress, a difficult economy, relational challenges, constant activity, “entertainment” and whatever else that would cause us to become isolated or lonely, we can know and live in community because we belong first to God.

Finally, “Making Space,” Postema’s seminal chapter, is critical for our walk with the Lord, and for the other themes in his book to become a reality for us. Making space for God in prayer (so we can know Him, go to Him, draw on His Spirit for strength, comfort, peace), in worship (where we gather in community to praise and glorify God with others, and hear the Word of God read and proclaimed), for Bible Study (so that we might hear Him speak into our lives, help us grow, know Him and His will), and fellowship (where we might have encouragement, support, and yes, even accountability). This “space” even helps us in our giving (of our time, service, energy, love, and resources).

It was wonderful to “Make Space for God” in a new, deeper, and meaningful way. My prayer is that your life would be restful in a space that it devoted to Him.  I encourage you to make “Space for God,” even if you are not inclined to get Postema’s book.  You will find not only space in your heart for Him, but for those around you, for love, and for His work.