Yesterday in the confirmation class we discussed how God can be experienced in many different ways. This was part of a larger conversation about the concept of the Trinity so we talked about how God can be experienced in creation, through others, and through the Spirit.
I often find that an individual seems to have a primary way he or she experiences the presence of God. From a very young age, I have experienced God regularly in worship - not through specific music or words or liturgy, but from feeling the presence of something much greater than anything tangibly present amongst us. I name my experience of the Spirit as a "God moment." It is not something I feel every single time I worship, but often enough that I can't imagine my life without it and the strong community in which it is set. I also will often have "God moments" when I am beside bodies of water. There are moments when the beauty of creation assures me of God's presence. The picture here is of one of my favorite places on Lake Michigan, a place to which I return every summer.
How and where do you experience God? Please share a "God Moment!"
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Wow, so many places and ways. I find that around water and around my children are most reliable, but the strongest experiences of the Spirit are at times when it's unexpected...times when I'm tired and alone, and feel something either pulling me along or pushing me to remain still in the moment. A few places where I've been overwhelmed by the Spirit...
ReplyDelete-Wainee Church on Maui (I'd attach a picture of this beautiful place if I were able)
-U2 concert in 2001
-Taize in November
Love the picture, there's something about a sunset over water but for me represents the best of creation.
I'm like Rick - I experience God most strongly though others. I feel God's presence in a community of loving individuals. It is when people have courage and strength to think of others before themselves.
ReplyDeleteI see God visibly though children. It is the incense and the unwavering compassion that children express that continually reaffirms my belief in God.
I experience God at camp - in nature and with a faith based community.
I experience God through thought and through teaching. God is present in every "ah hah" moment when you can tell someone really gets a concept for the first time.
God is everywhere and in everything but its nice to have those places or moments where its so clear and so visible that you can't help but notice God in your life.
My God Moments come when I’m alone with nature--even if it is just in my backyard. With the trees, birds, and insects humming along, oblivious to my human struggles and stresses. Slowly my mind eases and I feel refreshed.
ReplyDeleteI also find God Moments in music and poetry. Some songs will give me goose bumps as I listen—its like a little squeeze from God!
karen :}
My most prevalent God moments are interactions with other people. Through them I am reminded of God and because of them my confidence about God's presence, love, power and grace is solidified. Several come quickly to mind.
ReplyDeleteWitnessing a loved one's interactions with nature and quiet faith are wonderful God moments. Seeing and feeling children's trust in God's care for a beloved, departed relative is a true God moment. Knowing that the guests at the Largest Table have their souls and bodies nourished by the service and the meal is a reminder that God is present in their lives through those who serve them.
Not every moment is consistent in its depth or power. But, I cannot imagine life without them nor without the God of us all who inspires me through my fellow mortals.
Rick
I find my God moments are when im in nature. I just find that everything beautful in this world was created by God. Also it helps to know that with God all living things, everything you see and everything you can't see but you know is there is the presence of God. God created everything for you and for everyone so people can escape to a vacation spot or house, and that spot is useually somewhere in nature that makes you happy and thats all that god wants you to be is to be happy. Nature is beautful.
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