Please Do Not Touch?

Around 3 years ago Sue and I decided to join the National Trust.  We had previously belonged to English Heritage (I have often wondered why the two can't join forces), but as there aren't too many English Heritage properties in South Yorkshire where we then lived we let our membership lapse.  In fact there aren't many National Trust properties in South Yorkshire either, but our joining N.T. coincided with a holiday in Anglesey and we visited several N.T. sites during our time in Wales.  When we moved to Leicester around a year ago we had hoped that we would find a few more N.T. properties in this area.  In fact there aren't many here either, and we soon realised that we would struggle to justify the cost of membership.  So at the end of last month our membership of National Trust came to an end (for the time being, at least).

A couple of days before our membership was due to expire, we headed north on holiday, and took the opportunity to call in at two National Trust properties, Keddlestone Hall and Hardwick Hall.  We really enjoyed both visits, and the weather was good, giving us the opportunity to appreciate the grounds as well as the buildings.  Of course the National Trust have to be careful to preserve and protect their properties, and as I walked round Keddlestone Hall I noticed, perhaps not surprisingly, quite a few "Please Do Not Touch" signs.

Whilst I understand that the signs are there to protect the furniture and other valuable items, at the same time I think it's a shame, because to touch something can certainly add to one's appreciation of an item.  It's a bit like going into an antiques centre only to discover that all the items on display are kept securely behind locked cabinets.  I much prefer the antiques centres where items are freely available to hold and examine!

As I later reflected on the signs, the thought came to me that some people seem to have a "Please Do Not Touch" view of God; indeed, some religions appear to portray that perspective on God.  So what does the Bible say?  Of course the Bible does tell us that God is holy, awesome and almighty, and that we are to look on God with reverence and, indeed, with a healthy 'fear.'  However, the Bible also tells us that God is a God who draws near to us, who invites us into a love relationship with him.  Like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son, God is longing to embrace us and welcome us home when we turn to him.  In his amazing grace he has taken away the "Please Do Not Touch" sign.