I must always remember that I can no more approach God than an infant can approach it’s mother. When that baby sees it’s mother several feet away, he tries to reach her by stretching out his tiny arms toward her. But it is mom who goes the distance and makes the connection. In the same way, my human capacity to reach across the great divide between the finite and infinite is eternally inadequate. But from God’s perspective, the gap doesn’t exist at all.
Mark Thibodeaux, Armchair Mystic
As I read these words, I became deeply moved and provoked. Moved to a deeper place of contemplation of the vastness of the Creator and how or what eternity even looks like. I was provoked to prayer and discussion with others regarding the Body of Christ, and if this is only a small portion who think of such things, and what is the capability of processing things of this magnitude. I came away with more questions, as we often do.
For those who do not ponder such questions, I do not want to scare you off or even sound like some people are better than others for thinking in such ways. We are all gifted in different ways and we should embrace all aspects of life and others walks with God. Our own individual uniqueness is what makes the beautiful tapestry of the body of Christ so wonderful, because we are all a reflection of Christ.
Contemplation and prayer match together very well, like wine and cheese or even spaghetti and meatballs. Each one is great, but together they match perfectly. Most of the church does not know or probably thinks about contemplation, but they most certainly have been taught about prayer. The resources available on the topic of prayer are too many to number. I myself probably read more books on prayer than any other subject within Christianity. However contemplation or contemplative prayer is rarely discussed. This is not some new concept that you will see on the top shelf of your local bookstore. So why is this not something you hear more of? I won’t speculate, well maybe not too much. It is not a hot topic that garners attention.
In charismatic Christianity, where I currently dwell, this is not a mainstream topic, although a number of leaders are beginning to teach, write and share on the topic, it still seems to be on the back burner. And maybe it will always stay there, but for the few who are desiring more, like the title of 16 & 17 century Bishop Francis Fenelon, ‘The Seeking Heart’. Those too who are seeking more, will find it.
In the busyness, day to day life, making food or even sending an email, there is God. In stillness, quietness and solitude, there is God. Seek God in all things, but in the stillness, there are depths that are waiting to be explored.