THIN PLACES

I believe that there are two "Worlds" that exists at the exact same time. One, of course, is the natural world. That is, our planet, solar system, universe, etc. The things that exist in space and time that we can see and feel. I also believe that there exists a spiritual world, intertwined but somehow separate from our natural world. In the Spiritual World, space and time are irrelevant and there is a loving God who wants us to know him and "see" him.

There are places where where the two worlds are much closer and seem less separated. These are places where the vale between the two worlds is so thin you can feel it inside your being. An author who has had very similar experiences to my own called these "thin places". I imagine they are different places for different people, but for me it has always been in Nature, what I believe to be God's beauty, his artwork. I can remember as a boy watching the sun set over a lake, while the crickets were singing, and the smell of burning wood hung in the air. I had this feeling deep inside that I did not understand. It was like immense pleasure and a subtle sadness all at the same time. I believe I was feeling God's call, a call to know him, to join him, to Love him, to see him.

Nature has always been a thin place for me. From the time I didn't understand it as a boy to times I now purposely pursue it as a man. I never suspected that I would have another type of thin place that was as real to me as nature. This week I found one. I found it on a patio table with my wife, two great friends, and a bottle of wine. No pretense - no defences - just fellowship. A fellowship so pure, so real, that once again I was given a glimpse of the Spiritual World a piece of Heaven in this natural world.



Paul - thanks for letting me write this during your sermon - I'll catch it all tomarrow!!