The Shack

I am currently reading book called The Shack. I don't read very often but on a rare occasion I pick up a book that actually draws me in and makes me want to keep reading it. This has been one such book. For those of you who have not read it, its about a man who takes his three children out on a camping trip and his youngest daughter, Missy, is abducted. Her body is never found only the dress she was wearing was found but it is covered in blood. This event begins 3 long years of sadness for the man named Mack, his wife and their two other children. After 3 years Mack receives letter in the mail. Its very mysterious and simply request that Mack return to an old shack where Missy's bloody dress had been found. It is signed "Papa" which is how his wife would often address God. Mack is shocked and unsure what to think but finally works up the courage to return this old shack in the middle of no where. When he arrives he discovers the old rugged looking shack looking the same way it did that horrible day when they found all that remained of his Missy. Mack walks in looks around, hoping that he might encounter or find God there. He breaks down and cries out to God only to find himself standing alone in the shack. In a rage he begins to pick up old pieces of furniture that still remained in the old shack. He yells at God for not being there and questions if he is even real. How could God let such a terrible thing happen to an innocent child? Mack turns in anger and walks out of the cabin. Somewhere down the path he turns to find the old shack transformed. It was made anew and had smoke rolling out of the chimney. Mack is astonished at the sudden change and returns to the shack to investigate. He is greeted by a black woman named Elouisa who we later find out is "papa" or God. He meets Jesus (a man) and another lady named Sarayu, who is the holy spirit. Papa is the housekeeper and cook, Jesus fixes things in the shack, and Sarayu is "The Keeper of the Gardens". Each of these 3 take Mack on a quest of teaching him about being relationship with God and finding healing from years of hurt. Mack spends time with each one and learns something new. I am at the part now where Jesus has invited Mack to go on a hike. Jesus leads him out to the water and teaches him how to walk on water just like Peter did in the bible. He steps out on faith and makes his way across the river with Jesus.
I decided to post this blog on what I have read so far in this book because it reminds me how amazing God is. I'm enjoying reading about Mack's walk with God and its cool to think about God walking that close with each of us everyday and we don't even realize it :) I only wish that I could be as aware of God everyday as Mack is in this book.