Ragamuffin Gospel

I picked up Brennan Manning's Ragamuffin Gospel again last night and read one of my favorite sections before bed.  When I first came across this book 10 or so years ago I had never read anything like this.  I must have reread this 100 times.  Last night I wasnt aware of being stressed at any deep level, and yet, this section still brought such an overwhelming rest to my heart.  On page 149, Manning says...

"Making our home in Jesus, as he makes his in us, leads to creative listening: "Has it crossed your mind that I am proud you accepted the gift of faith I offered you?  Proud that you freely chose Me, after I had chosen you, as your friend and Lord?  Proud that with all your warts and wrinkles you haven't given up? Proud that you believe in me enough to try again and again?

Are you aware how I appreciate you for wanting Me?  I want you to know how grateful I am when you pause to smile and comfort a child who has lost her way.  I am grateful for the house you devote to learning about Me; for the words of encouragement you passed on to your burnt-out pastor, for your visit to the shut-in, for your tears for the retarded.  What you did to them, you did to me.  Als, I am sad ehn you do not beleive that I have totally forgiven you or you feel uncomfortable approaching me."