Experience of God

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Shakuhachi

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Of course this is a very personal, intimate subject. Our experiences are always subject to interpretation and discernment. But I can say that some of what seeemd to be my deepest experiences were very simple, no getting knocked off my horse or slain in the spirit. The ones I recall were like standing in the woods on a snowy day, sitting by a pond in the summer and just sitting quietly in the chapel. No theology or beliefs involved. They provide a context or basis of interpretation of the experience.

I think that it is the experience itself for which we all hunger. But often we do not take the time or make the committment to cultivate an awareness of God with us alll the time. My best moments have been an awareness of the present moment, my place in it and God’s arms all around it. It takes conscious effort to be available.
 
Think of the scripture passage in (I believe 1 Kings). Elijah went up on the mountain to meet God on Mt. Horeb.And there was a great wind, but God was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. Then there was a great fire, but God was not in the fire. Then there was a small whisper in the wind. And Elijah hid himself because God was passing by in the small whisper in the wind. (Disclaimer, verbatim not intended)
I think most of us generally find God in the small moments of our lives. A beautiful sunset, snow covered mountains, fall leaves, the smile of a baby or the laugh of a five year old. God rests in the small things, especially a wafer of bread on a Sunday morning.
 
I’m a cradle Catholic. And I always enjoyed poetry.
As I improved as a poet, I feel I became more intensly aware of God.
The four seasons changing. The moon cycle.
But then you read of the early Father monks - who went into the desert -
confront demons - and alike -
So…as beautiful a place is…there’s danger there too.
 
Like its always there, always available but it is we who are absent.
God is there, available while we are distracted by so much.
 
Poetry and photography have a way of bringing us to notice what we usually overlook.
 
I used to follow someone from India on Flickr -
You’re so right. Photography - can be an art form.

A Catholic friend of mine was / is a photographer…
but he started doing weddings - got underpaid - hassled -
better equipment was needed, more money, malfunctions…
I was surprised when he sold everything -
 
I think going in nature people feel or experience God. Nature is God’s artistry.
 
That’s the beauty of it. We don’t have to seek it. Sit still in nature long enough and it finds you. God is with us all the time. All we have to do is pay attention.
 
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You can’t escape Him. No matter how far you run.
The Sacraments are an excellent way to interact with Him. Even if you don’t experience anything abnormal.
 
Yes, they should demand our full attention.

But I was in the chapel thinking that everything we experience all the time, at every moment, is God’s presence, God coming to us in that moment. Sometimes it might seem boring or painful. But it is God’s choice for us non the less.
 
Shakuhachi said:
we experience all the time, at every moment, is God’s presence
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A great book you might like " Abandonment to Divine Providence "
God is to be found in the simplest of our daily activities
and especially through total surrender to whatever is His will for each of us.
That is the message of this 18th-century inspirational classic by Jean-Pierre de Caussade.
Its encouragement to “live in the present moment,” accepting everyday obstacles
with faith, humility and love, has guided generations of believers to holiness and spiritual peace.
 
Yes, if we can integrate our faith and surrender and sacrifice into our daily life it will be like walking with God living in Christ.
 
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