Nourishment from the clouds

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them, for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves. All we need is to imagine our ability to love developing until it embraces the totality of men and the earth.

As I listen to the rain gently falling outside and thoroughly enjoy a cup of tea it is with strength and faith that I feel the presence of God. Pierre Teilhard speaks about each of us being a spiritual being having a human experience on this earth. Our earthly bodies are the host to this spirit and is allowed to experience the sweetness of ice cream, the richness of chocolate, the passion of love and the struggle with social injustice. As this spirit comes from God we are infused with God in ways that most are unaware. Simply sitting in the presence of the rain gives peace and understanding that echoes loudly in our heart. Who is God? What is God? Where is God? Often in times of darkness we ask that last question over and over again. Why is it we never ask it when things are going well? I believe it is because we are arrogant enough to believe that we are in charge when things are good and then blame God when things are rough. The truth is God is with us always, through the good and the bad, and spiritual fulfillment is when we find God in all times and places. Jesus knew God very well and was steeped in the Holy Spirit. Jesus was a powerful presence of God, so powerful the biblical writers remembered him years after his death and were complelled to write about this presence. The Apostle Paul experienced Jesus in ways most of us can only hope to experience and he spread the good news throughout the early church. The Bible is our source of understanding God and knowing the presence of God in our lives based on the eye witness accounts. Is the Bible true? I believe the Bible is true, although it may not have happened exactly as it is written. Truth goes far beyond factual accounting. Truth is in the heart of those who believe. Have a wonderful May long weekend and remember to find God in everything you do.