Finding God
By Kirk S. Boote of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. —Colossians 3:12–15 NRSV
What is it that compels us to search for God? What is it about our exploration of God that helps us find our humanity? What do we find at the end of the day when we turn to, instead of away from, God?
In a world where God becomes seemingly absent, some claim they are witnesses to a living God. In their reality they speak to a relational experience in which God is real. Do they speak an uncommon truth? How do they claim their lives became better and, if so, what does that truly mean?
Perhaps finding God is like waking from a deep sleep. In dreams you may find yourself somewhere else. If it is a deep dream, you can become completely lost in this altered reality. When you wake up, you quickly realize you were dreaming. Odd how it is, but when you are dreaming, you may be completely unaware that you are in a dream.
Finding God is not about proof, rather it is about seeing life differently—recognizing that life must have a source and then waking up to what that awareness of God means. My experience was seeing God as the link to life, and I found that it connects us in a different way to our humanity. In spite of the inhumanity that is visible all around us, I found a greater hope in both myself and in others when I bridged my awareness to a living God as the link to all life. My reality shifted.
So the question is, “How does life get better when you find God in life?” That is the exploration that I invite you to take.
Prayer Phrase
May I see your light in all life.
Invitation to Spiritual Practice
Light of God
Close your eyes, and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.