Last night, I dreamed I had an interview with God.

God: So you would like to interview me?

Me: Only if you have the time. I know you’re pretty busy.

(God looked at me with a look that warmed my heart.)

God: Of course. Remember, my time is forever. Now, what type of questions do you have for me?”

Where is the Federal Way Community Center?

(God looked a little perplexed.)

God: That’s a tough one. Let me get back to you on that one.

Me: What surprises you most about mankind?

God: That they get bored being children. That they are in a rush to grow up, and then they long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money, and they lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present. That they live as if they will never die, and then they die as if they never lived.

Me: God, as a parent, what are some of the lessons in life that you want your children to learn?

God: To know that what is important in their lives is not what they do in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn not to judge their insides by someone else’s outsides. To be mindful that it takes only a second to wound someone, and for some, a lifetime to heal from that wound. To learn forgiveness by practicing forgiveness. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that a true friend knows everything about you and likes you anyway. To count your blessings and not your troubles. To realize that it is never too late.

Me: You know, God, sometimes I don’t feel worthy.

God: My child, I made you in my image and likeness, and I am never wrong.

Me: God, why is there evil in the world?

God: That’s an easy one — so that there can be good in this world.

Me: God, why do things look so bad sometimes?

God: Because my children have taken their eyes off of me. I have to remind them not to judge by appearances.

Me: You know God, sometimes I don’t feel very lovable.

(God looked at me with a look I can’t describe.)

God: Before you were here, I loved you. And when you come back, I will continue to love you. Now I have a question for you.

(I sat up as if I were in a chair.)

Me: Yes sir.

God: Do you stop loving your child if she makes a mistake?

Me: Absolutely not.

God: You then have my answer.

Me: God, I have two more questions.

God: I am waiting.

Me: Will I win the lottery?

God: Probably not.

Me: God, if I need you, where will I find you?

God: You will not find me in the past where your regrets are. You will not find me in the future where your fears are. You can only find me in the present, where you are. One other thing to remember: I will always love you. No excuses.