[The following is a reworked reprint of my blog of February 9, 2016.]
...to mix with the world and to find God amidst its pain, confusion, and disorder. -- Fr. Richard Rohr
When first I read that, I realized that to give oneself permission to do exactly that...to mix with the world and to find God amidst its pain, confusion, and disorder...is to know self (and Self) acceptance.
It occurs to me that may be the reason so many of us lack self acceptance. We assume if we're in pain, confusion and disorder, we must be doing it wrong, or we're not good enough, well enough, bright enough...enough period.
What if that is the place we must needs be to find God? Who looks for God on the first day of summer vacation? We're looking for fun in the sun, not for any of that heavy stuff. Or when we're out amongst 'em, boppin' and shoppin'. Who's looking for God then? Truth be told, we're half afraid he's going to show up and ruin the day.
The saddest is the one who has searched for God for years and still cannot accept that "great pain and great love" is the right path to him. The minute s/he feels "pain, confusion or disorder," an alternative source for peace is sought. Usually including someone to blame.
...to mix with the world and to find God amidst its pain, confusion, and disorder. -- Fr. Richard Rohr
When first I read that, I realized that to give oneself permission to do exactly that...to mix with the world and to find God amidst its pain, confusion, and disorder...is to know self (and Self) acceptance.
It occurs to me that may be the reason so many of us lack self acceptance. We assume if we're in pain, confusion and disorder, we must be doing it wrong, or we're not good enough, well enough, bright enough...enough period.
What if that is the place we must needs be to find God? Who looks for God on the first day of summer vacation? We're looking for fun in the sun, not for any of that heavy stuff. Or when we're out amongst 'em, boppin' and shoppin'. Who's looking for God then? Truth be told, we're half afraid he's going to show up and ruin the day.
The saddest is the one who has searched for God for years and still cannot accept that "great pain and great love" is the right path to him. The minute s/he feels "pain, confusion or disorder," an alternative source for peace is sought. Usually including someone to blame.
To be in the world but not of it is to be free of the fear of pain, confusion and disorder. They'll still come...if we're doing it right...but we no longer live in fear of their coming.
Thank you.
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