In this season of Epiphany I have been seeking the Light without (God) and the Light within (Spirit). I have found it helpful to set aside 15-30 minutes of my day to step away from my routine, to seek that which is both beyond myself and grounded within myself. To seek the light that brightens these dark days, and when I find it to pause and contemplate it. These have not been the mystical experiences such as we have heard from the saints, however I have sensed glimpses of hope, joy, and love.
I have also been reading “Joyful Exiles” by James Houston. In this book Houson reminds us that “But since a mystical experience of Christ is a result of God’s presence, it remains incomprehensible. The only response can be faith and not doubt.” (Houson 69). Revelation in God is not about receiving the answers to questions or prayers, but receiving an experience, a vision, that on examination allows us to grow stronger in our sense of God around us, our sense of God in our lives, and using history, the Bible, and our community of faith we can interpret those experiences meaningfully in our lives.
As a result I have been contemplating ways to make time and discover meaningful practices to open myself to God. As such I have decided to do a “Lenten Journey” a post each day focusing on a discipline or practice that will orientate me (and you if you choose to follow) towards God. If there any specific topics you would like to see, and if we can we will fit them in.
Thank you!
Houston, James M. “Joyful Exiles”. InterVarsity Press: Illinois, 2006.