It's only natural.

It is?

I hear a phrase like this one and consider all the unnatural things I do in a given day.

Is it natural to look at my phone as much as I do? Especially when sitting across from someone with an actual face who already likes me? Why do I seek affirmation in a thumbs up?

Is it natural that I check the animal shelter's website daily? I already have two beautiful dogs. The two I miss are memories that can't be found among the strays and the abandoned. Why do I keep thinking there could ever be another pair like them? How unfair to put that pressure on two young pups with their own stories to tell!

Is it natural to find solace in coffee drunk from a recyclable cup? Consumed and consumable in a mere five-minutes reprieve. Is it worth the five dollars?

Maybe that's a bad example. Because it sure feels worth it.

But, worthy of being natural? Probably not.

So what is natural?

My grandparents touted being natural was what brought them success in their marriage.

But, I'm not sure.

I think their love bordered on supernatural. I think most love does. If I were to respond in a natural way to most people, it would be anything but loving.

I think in that case, I would want to be as unnatural as possible. I want to love in a supernatural way.

Why settle for being only natural?

These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Jude 19-21 NIV