Saturday, March 5

LISTENING TO GOD IN A NOISY WORLD

My 2015 Lenten meditation focused on the importance of listening for me - in going deeper into myself, deeper into the Creation within and around me. Active listening that allows me to appreciate the Creation in a bird’s song, a sunset (I’m never awake for sunrises), my heartbeat, and other people’s place in Creation.

A Richard Rohr quote from Tom’s 29 Aug ’15 reflection has made a particular impact on me: “We don't think ourselves into a new way of living; we live ourselves into a new way of thinking.”

I’m a scientist (a retired – tired? – one). I was paid to think, analyze, hypothesize. So naturally, I come at most life issues with the attitude of thinking and then doing. Not a bad way to go, really. But, then Rohr/Tom upset that applecart. Act first, think later? That could be dangerous!

For me, the real message is that my acts will influence and control my way of thinking. If I smile, I’ll have happy thoughts. If I am judgmental, I’ll think I am right. If I reach out, I’ll experience the reality of others’ lives and think of them with compassion. If I cloister my actions, I will never be blessed by others experiences.

For me, all of this requires listening:
Listening to Tom’s reflections. Some grab me; some don’t.
But if I don’t listen, I won’t know.
Listening to God within me. This requires getting away from
distractions – quiet time, meditation.
Listening to God around me. That bird song, sunset,
my community.

Often, what I hear takes me outside of my comfort zone. Guess what, that’s not bad. My comfort zone is made up of things I like, not necessarily the things that are best for my place in Creation. So I seek a balance and try to act on what I am hearing – without over-thinking, over-analyzing, over-hypothesizing.

May Creation bless all of us this Lent and beyond as each of us seeks their personal balance within its great magnificence. Take some time today to listen.


Gary Kimmel