Watching for God.

Contemplation is taking a long loving look at the real. It is sitting with oneself and reflecting on your life and God; it is seeking to listen to what lies beneath the chatter of life. Contemplation is not about withdrawing; it is about being present. For me it is much less about application and more about awareness and watchfulness. I’ve discovered that too often people attempt to apply a never-ending array of spiritual principles to their lives and end caught up in striving to fill themselves with God as opposed to simply being still and looking within for where God rests.

What does one do after he/she has read all the books, attended the bible studies, conferences, retreats, and leadership workshops? What is left from all the spiritual activity that often resembles an addiction more than a loving relationship with the ever present Creator? I am convinced that some of the addiction to hyperactivity in the church is a result of boredom and restlessness as a result of not allowing ourselves to simply be present with God. I led a retreat once where one of the participants wanted to do more bible study. It was as if more study for her allowed her to escape what was in front of her. She wanted more information to swallow rather than taking a long, loving look at what God is saying to her soul—where God was present right then in her life. That is one reason I like lectio divina for it allows the Spirit to bring forth what is relevant, it is more about allowing God to speak through the scripture presently. Contemplation is a much like lectio divina your life.

I wonder why we fear the long loving look at what is real? I wonder if we are addicted to the spiritual activity and thinking about God for it allows us to escape being present with ourselves and to God? We try to manage our spiritual life through more theology and thinking or doing rather than simply being alone on the mountain with God and being attentive to God's presence. We become master "pray-ers" but I question if this chatter is our effort to avoid the interior of our hearts. God is present in the here and now. What is God trying to say to you today? What is your soul trying to say to God? Can you allow yourself to take a long loving look at what is real in your life without the need to judge it or fix it? Can you be held in love and allow yourself to lovingly hold what God brings forth?

God is the lover of our souls. May we allow oursleves to be present with our lover today. May we be present to Love's presence.