Mike Paschall . com

I got the Indian out a couple of days ago. It still looks like the dead of winter here in Colorado, but the sun and surprisingly warm air more than make up for the crusty brown landscape. I’m under no naïve notion that springtime is fully here, but it has genuinely been nice the past few weeks.

While on that ride, I decided to pop in to see a long-time buddy. We’re in different seasons now and time together is scarce, but it’s always easy to catch up once we’re in proximity. As we nursed a micro-brew while basting in the warm afternoon sun, Jimmy could barely contain himself as he revealed his new love affair with his quiet time. I’m always interested in what people are doing to connect, but the words “quiet time” are usually packaged in the genre of spiritual disciplines, i.e. concordance study, bible readings, devotionals, and journal writing. At least those have been my routines for decades now. To be totally candid, that’s not so much the pattern anymore. What my buddy talked about is where I’ve been now for some time.

When you no longer fear whether or not you measure up to God’s expectations or demands (btw, there are NO demands), the pressure comes off in regards to groveling for His grace. All you can see—everywhere—is grace.

Jimmy is a few years older than I am, but it’s clear he’s kicked over his spiritual container and he’s sorting through the data. I’m sure I’ve bored you all with my Rohr quotes, but my appreciation for what that guy has taught me has to be expressed. Kicking over the container is a necessary and real thing if a person truly wants to move into the fullness and mystery of God. My own personal experience can only confirm the glorious liberation of not having all of God figured out. Imagine that! We have a God who can’t possibly be contained in a single systematic theology. Right? Mind blown!

I asked, “Dude, give me the details.” I’m happy to report that I didn’t get a list of things. No lighting lavender candles, no memorizing scripture, and no reading of the devotional that I spent years writing. None of that is bad, but it’s pretty darn predictable. The tears that immediately filled his eyes confirmed this guy had definitely been wrecked by something. It took a minute for him to collect himself before he said, “It’s sweet. I sit and look and think about how good God’s creation really is; and Mike, love is in it. In my mind, God is bigger than ever!” That’s so kewl!

My friend is a highly intelligent individual whose devotion to his family and God is serious business. This isn’t a casual God follower. The man is lit up with wonder and awe about God’s massiveness. As he’s poking around with mystery, I think he’s pretty much done with business as usual. In my estimation, my friend is growing again. I’m not sure how that thought lands on you, but it’s something we all need to examine.

There is more to God than what we’ve always known.

J. P. Newell is probably right concerning the constant unfolding of God’s revelation on earth. Real time contemplation and observation of God’s handiwork is what it means to be fully alive. Don’t confuse that with trinkets of self-serving interests only. It’s deeper than that.

Spiritual expansion is truly a glorious thing in a person’s life, but it can also be scary as hell! That’s why most people won’t do it. Hanging on to the predictable past (what we’ve always done, what we’ve always known, and what we’ve always believed) is just easier and safer.

Regarding Jimmy, it takes a lot of guts to believe that God genuinely loves what he has created. If we can get quiet (easier said than done), there is a lot to see and appreciate that declares God’s continuing creative goodness. Touching and experiencing that at a deeper level brings such abundance to the mind and heart. It also helps nurture internal joy. Remember, joy isn’t a byproduct of your circumstances. Joy is a state of mind… a condition of your heart that is conscious of God’s benevolent heart. Circumstance can’t touch that.

Get quiet and give the Spirit a chance to reveal the Holy Trinity’s masterpiece. His beauty abounds.

Live every day inside this magnificent truth: GOD LOVES US ALL!

Mike