She is the God of unconditional, complete immersion in love. It’s the deep abiding friendship of companions who intentionally make time for each other, enjoying each other’s company.

That’s why we have wonder. She is constantly inviting us to discover something new about her graciousness and goodness. Each time we screw up, she wraps us in a big warm hug, inviting us back into to the warmth, if only we would quit flogging ourselves long enough to notice.

Throughout this Holy Week I have meditated on the death and resurrection of God in human form. Whatever Jesus did on the cross is simply too much for me to bear. I am knocked over daily by his love for me, expressed in the giving of life, finding its full expression in the emptying out of self. I know that when I approach the throne of grace with confidence I find in him a peace that covers.

I want to live a life of love, a life clothed in colour that celebrates the Creator. I want to live a life that welcomes curiosity and the thirst for knowledge. I want to experience this world, to feel her might and power through word and song, work and play, the rhythms of the past present and future, brought together in perfect harmony.

When Shandi and I were married in 2008, we chose as our wedding verse and commitment to God and each other the words from Micah 6:8. They say simply this: He has shown you, oh mortal, what is good. And what does the Creator require from you?

To act justly, to love mercy and to talk humbly with your God.

A life of love, with and through the celebration of our Creator is a life marked by justice, by mercy and by humility.

There is no room for counting my blemishes. There is no space for keeping accounts. I do not have the right to accuse anyone of sin, nor is it my place to administer punishment. Instead I cling to Her mercy, made real by the Cross.

My actions are guided not by wealth acquisition, nor are they influenced by power and fame. Keeping up with the Joneses and the American dream is not my way. I am not influenced by the legalism of a blind faith, nor do I hold faith to be in opposition of reason. Instead I am guided by Her justice.

My resume doesn’t consist of degrees nor is it made of awards. It matters not whether I am a successful businessman or an accomplished politician. It doesn’t count my worldly achievements and it renders useless the appeal of applause. Instead I walk with humility by Her side.

To worship our Creator is to celebrate her creation with Her, acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly.

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*In this piece I have chosen to reflect on my experience of God as feminine. There is significant reason to believe that Christians throughout the ages have held views about God as the feminine. For many, the femininity of God was/is expressed through the veneration of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. I’ve found it an interesting experiment, to try and see God as man and/or woman (especially since God is traditionally seen as having no gender, even if his expression has mostly been found in male form). For more, check out this post by Rachel Held Evans, in which she pushes back against accusations of heresy for using the feminine to describe God.

Peter Thurley received his M.A. in philosophy from the University of Waterloo in 2008. Since then he has been a political activist and federal candidate, non-profit communications professional and all around social justice rabble-rouser. Having come from a conservative Mennonite Brethren background, Peter’s faith is now characterized primarily by doubt, and he thinks that’s A-Okay! Peter’s writing can be found at http://medium.com/@pfthurley