Hair dressers, God, and dishonest discipleship

Sometimes my hairdresser seems easier to talk to than God.

There. I've said it.

And if you're honest, you'll admit that somewhere in your spiritual journey, you've felt the same way. Oh, you may not be particularly cozy with the person who cuts your hair, but you've experienced that same sense of distance from the Almighty--who is supposed to be Emmanuel, God with Us.

I can tell you why I feel distant. My life has been a frenetic mess: a new puppy in the house; my daughter is now in kindergarten (yes, we bought a puppy the same week she started school...proof of our insanity); my husband went back to work after a summer off from teaching; new responsibilities at work...the list continues. And so, when I have time to sit down before God, my mind races a thousand miles an hour and I can't calm down long enough to allow my heart to settle into the presence of God.

I'm not alarmed by this feeling. I've been here before. I know that God is here even when I don't feel Him. I know He hears my prayers even when they feel like they bounce off the ceiling. I don't like where I am but I know it will pass. And so do you.

Here's my question: When you feel these droughts with God, do you share your experiences with teen girls? Or do you keep it to yourself until the feeling passes?

I think we do a major disservice to girls when we show only the shiny side of our spiritual selves. They see an example of perfection rather than a redeemed but flawed human who chooses to plow through the rough patches. And as a result, many girls believe the lie that they are somehow doing something wrong. They're not "good Christians." God must be mad at them. Or not listening. Or too busy.

You and I know that those are all lies. But girls don't, because they don't see anyone struggling like they do. That's why it's imperative for you and me to be authentic, transparent, and honest. We need to tell them when we've been unable to spend time with God as much as we want. We need to ask them to pray for us when we're feeling frenetic and frazzled and far away from God. And we need to celebrate with them when God speaks and we feel the gentle whispers of His voice wash over our souls.

To do anything less is dishonest discipleship.