Meditation: How does God?

How does our Creator let us know that God is always with us
in our humdrum lives, in our moments of happiness, and our difficulties?

God, who lives in each of us, lives only in the eternal moment, while we,
who are gifted with a span of time, do not.

How does God "speak" with creations who leap from past to future, 
but find nothing in the now (other than an opportunity to worry about the future 
or replay our past moments of defeat)?

Say aloud the name of that feeling of warmth, 
the peace, the uncontrolled welling of emotions 
that reminds us our Creator is very 
very near. Its name is JOY.

A child at home, aware of nothing but the moment,
having no past, still unaware of future failings and shames,
that child is a gift from God. 
In trivial but momentous achievements: 
a step, a word, a smile - God speaks joy in us.

So name that feeling of warmth, the peace, 
the wild welling of emotions that reminds us 
our Creator is always near. 
Its name is JOY.

A busy day, conflicts and successes, 
getting our tasks done, going home in the cool 
of the winter evening in the blaze of 
orange gold and royal purple sunset; called 
into that moment, surprised by joy.

So name that feeling of warmth, the peace, 
the wild welling of emotions that reminds us  
our Creator is always near. 
Its name is JOY.

Each day of our adult life we strive with responsibilities
and tasks we must complete; torn 
between work and the people we love. 
But consider this: we are called then into 
moments of love heightened by separation, 
moments of peace possible because of tension.

So name that feeling of warmth, the peace, 
the wild welling of emotions that reminds us  
our Creator is always near. 
It is JOY.

God shares beauty with us in perfect moments:
storm clouds behind sunlit new willow leaves,
the smile of a stranger, birds in flight, singly, 
or the telepathic instant turn of a million birds in flight.
We are called into that moment, delighted by joy.

So name that feeling of warmth, the peace, 
the wild welling of emotions that reminds us  
our Creator is always near. 
Its name is JOY.

The fumbling movement of baby animals, alive! 
Gifted with life. 
A moment glimpsed by me: brimming full with the gift, 
living in complete trust, unaware of danger or threat.
Called into that moment, awed by joy.

So name that feeling of warmth, the peace, 
the wild welling of emotions that reminds us 
our Creator is always near. 
Its name is JOY.

God gives us moments of unconditional love from babies;
the tightening of arms around our necks,
the hand grasping a finger to take a step,
the delighted smile of recognition after absence,
calling us by name! Ambushing us with joy.

So say aloud the name of that feeling of warmth, of peace,
the wild welling of emotions that reminds us 
our Creator is always near. 
Its name is JOY.


If today you hear God's voice, harden not your heart. Psalm 95


Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time when I am reaching out to you" and then a few moments reminding yourself of some of the blessings God has given you - the clear signs of God's love for you.

Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.

Listen for Jesus' personal message for you.

If you would prefer a Bible reading I suggest Psalm 8, 3-9

When I look at the sky, which you have made,

    at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places—
    what are human beings, that you think of them;
    mere mortals, that you care for them?

Yet you made them inferior only to yourself;
    you crowned them with glory and honour.
You appointed them rulers over everything you made;
    you placed them over all creation:

    sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too;
    the birds and the fish
    and the creatures in the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,

    your greatness is seen in all the world!

1. Read this passage or the meditation slowly a couple of times.
2. What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?
3. Why? Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.
4. Then spend 5, or 10, or 20 minutes with those words, or the word HEAR. You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds. After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen. 

Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).

You may need a countdown clock. 

At the end thank God, and return to your day.