As the afternoon began to turn into evening, my dogs called my name wanting to share a walk together. The sun was partially hidden behind the trees and the feeling of fall took over the summer day. This was the kind of moment that needed to be spent in the outdoors doing something , anything , even if it wasn’t important. Allowing the tranquility of this moment to pass with participation would be just short of criminal.
I took my beasties suggestion and walked them down to the golf course for that was just a short hike down the hill. The dogs needed a release of their pent up energy and immediately began to give each other chase. Their energy was pouring out of them as they played joyfully on the fresh cut grass. Tumble, chase, tug, chase, followed by more running. Those dogs were being everything dogs are meant to be. Dogs. I think often about dogs, what a great life these animals have. Imagine spending your days in full contemplation and still getting fed. Every dreamer wishes for moments like these to share.
I sat down to watch the playful display and drink fully the moment. Hitting golf balls now seemed such a low priority. Allowing myself to be present in this moment was the highest good I could provide myself. Taking care of ourselves oftentimes just involves releasing our need for busy for moments of quiet. This was one of those moments.
The dogs began to tire and the activity slowed eventually finding the dogs laying on the fairway panting heavily. There we were three creatures finding solace in the cool breeze in that late afternoon. I looked back towards the top of the hill and there he stood. Majestic and proud. Regal and aloof. He encompassed all these. The dogs were unaware of the new eyes that now watched them. They were spectacular.
Church is meaningful as it allows us time to reflect on the divine and share moments of authenticity with like minded people. There is great value in the process and time spent focusing on creating a better way to live based on love. This was very much like church. God looked at me through the eyes of this deer and I heard eternity yell my name.
The buck soon was spooked and ran off leaving me to relish having more time watching this wonderful creature. My hairy friends decided the time for stillness was over. It was time to get up and move on to another adventure. I agreed.
Here is the second part of Anthony’s lecture on prayer. Are you willing to look at things differently? Wake up! and look at life as it really exists. Coming to grips with truth brings great freedom.
If you’ve never heard of Anthony De Mello, you certainly have missed out on one of the greatest teachers of truth. His gift of making the complex easily understandable will cement his legacy for many followers. I will post his four part series on prayer here on my blog.
In a post past, I engaged in a discussion with an old classmate and responded to inquiries relating to our differences in theology.While we both believe in the value of the Christian experience, our differences lie in how they are fleshed out into the world.The following is the second area of discussion with the question being “What is ultimate Authority?”
This was my response.
I’ve taken some time to consider your question. Certain national events have consumed my reality and not given me time to respond. I’m sure we differ as to enjoyment level of our next president, and that’s perfectly ok.
First off, the term ultimate authority is not a phrase that is common to my lips. So before you take a too sharp address to my definition allow me grace as to a minimized understanding.
Ultimate authority – I’m sure an easy answer would be God’s word. I would think that would give me a passing grade and all would be fine. So like all my answers relating to theology or philosophy a simple response will not suffice. So let me try to unload my thought process…
I am comfortable relating to eternal and everlasting God as ultimate authority. Without reservation, I accept God’s direction, provision, and love for me and those around me. I note that universal understanding of loving God, loving others, loving self leads to a more complete union/relationship with God. I would hope this point would not be in dispute.
As for how we understand God and come to relationship with the almighty is where many people need to separate.
God’s word as found in the bible is a tremendous source of inspiration, hope, and guidance for a people seeking after relationship with God. I find the truths found within its pages completely sufficient to point me in a direction that both cleaves me closer and accepts me when I distance myself from God’s love.
I’m careful to avoid bringing the bible into the trinity and actually making it worthy of worship. At no point are we asked to bring such veneration. The bible is a teaching tool; it is not the final tool of faith. It is similar to pointing to the moon at night and only seeing the upraised finger.
Jesus was a wonderful revealer of his Father by both his words and lifestyle. We see how he emulated the very characteristics which are found in God.
God is completely faithful to reveal himself to us in our hearts. Jesus’ sacrifice provided a means to that end. Through the Holy Spirit we can understand perfect love and presence. I personally think the reason why people never come to this awareness is prayer has been distorted for them. Quiet listening to the soft, gentle, calm, voice within is often drowned out with the repetitive droning found in most prayers. It’s completely understood that you can’t hear someone talking to you if you are constantly talking yourself.
I’m not sure where I’ve just taken us answering your question. We seemed to have rambled down and around many rabbit holes.
My little girl asked me an important question yesterday.
During the service a precious baby was baptized. She looked so smart in her colorful outfit carefully chosen for the occasion. Arms and feet pointing and kicking in every direction all the while grinning as large as a face would allow. The pastor took the time to walk among the congregation and show each this precious promise of tomorrow. Seeing this hope for the future gave each present a brief glimpse of the presence of our God. For God surely must be found in the hearts of one so innocent and pure.
With this backdrop in mind our journey home from church was filled with much conversation from my baby girl. “Daddy, why did pastor Bob baptize that little girl?” My heart leapt with joy sensing the stirring in my daughter’s heart and mind. “Daddy, have I ever been baptized?” I wanted to pull the car over and give her my full attention. “Daddy, what happens when people get baptized?” I found my heart racing as my mind kicked into overdrive. I had so much to describe, so much to discuss, so many ideas on how to handle this moment.
I slowed my mind to a crawl before I spoke. I wanted to not confuse a seeking heart nor interfere with the Spirit’s prompting. Knowing full well these next words would carry great value and trust I spoke with clarity and conviction.
I said, “Baptism is where we tell others how much Jesus means to us. It is telling everyone in the room that Jesus is very important to me and I will try to be like him as I live my life.” I could hear the thought wheels turning in her head. “Daddy, I want to be like Jesus.” Tears began to well up in my eyes as I thought of the depth of such a pronouncement. I tried to maintain my composure. “Daddy, I want to be baptized and tell people I want to live my life like Jesus.” “Then we will speak to pastor Bob and make sure this happens for you I told her.”
To quote the old song, “Love is a Many Splendid Thing”. It represents the greatest end in life. Love has the ability to drive us to excellence and it also makes humanity act insane. What power! What promise! No wonder people find themselves acting so irregular in elusive pursuit. The crazies come out and march in lockstep with the possibility of becoming one with love.
Love is not something found by a logical journey nor through designated actions. Our best efforts to capture it’s evasive hold finds us banging our heads in frustration. The struggle leaves many so devestated they no longer function effectively in society.
Maybe the problem is that of common definition. If there were a clear understanding of what love is then some confusion could be eliminated. The problem is, to define something limits it and keeps that something from ever being completely true to it’s full potential. Love is a lot like that. It is not made to be understood instead it exists for the purpose of being experienced.
Love is not an object that is found for love is a true seeker not a hider. Love looks for hearts that are willing recipients not demanding hearts that only look for fulfillment. Love is not an emotional filler, it is a joiner of two beings into one. Love does not create healthy beings from the unhealthy, instead love finds the healthy and makes them stronger. Love is the great rewarder.
I find myself the very fortunate receiver of love. I also find my desire to be a giver of love continually growing. This I’m sure is a direct correlation. Funny thing…the deeper love gets into your person the greater its need to be poured out upon others.
The sadness is greatest with those who have never participated in the complexities of love. Those who seek love only as a means to be appreciated. One sided love is a lie. Taking in love without giving it back is greed, it is selfishness personified. True love is manifested when the joy of giving exceeds the pleasure of taking.
For many people their faith practice describes a loving God who is passionate about creation. God greatly desires to become one with us and seeks to bring mankind into communion. This love knows no boundaries. It’s this kind of love that teaches how we are to likewise love others. Let this love infuse your heart and the desire to be one with others then becomes instinctive.
“All you need is love”…to quote the Beatles.
Imagine the world that would create!
Love has taken me personally from the filth and despair I created with my life. It has since provided me comfort and security. It has formed a longing to expand my heart. It has brought me back to life. Love pushes me to new extremes.
Love to me came wrapped as a brunette named Maria. What a gift. I live with great thankfulness.
