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!!
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3 comments:
Thanks for the post, it has been awhile. Couldn't agree with you more. For me, I expierence a real connection with God in nature. There is something there that is a real testimony of his love. I don't belive that there needs to be two seperate attitudes about God. I don't think there any places God is not, or divine territory were he rules supreme more than others. But, I can relate when you say you feel closer to God in nature than anywhere else. Sorry didn't mean to ramble.
When we are fortunate to find ourselves in those "Thin Places" we find true happiness. And I agree that atmosphere is usually helpful in finding those places. Thank you for the mental picture of the beauty you experienced.
I can relate to the "special place" mindset. Mine is usually found on the deck of a bassboat in either the early morning as the mist clears from the top of the lake or in the evening as the sun sets on the water.(God knew what he was doing when he would come down to spend time with Adam in the cool of the evening)
I find my mood to be more reverent as I am in awe of the creation around me than it could ever be in the confines of a church building.
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