Mystic Musings: Lent 3/18
“How did those priests ever get so serious and preach all that gloom? I don’t think God tickled them yet. Beloved—hurry.”
St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th century saint and mystic
I remember a few years ago introducing an experimental phase in the presbytery where I was serving. I teasingly told our churches that we were going to call it “God’s Playground.” I knew what I doing. I was trying to loosen people up from the seriousness that had come from decades’ long membership decline. A few people smiled at my attempt even as others wondered if I was serious enough for the job.
Photo by Gabe Pierce @gaberce
The truth is I have been one of those serious ones for most of my life. I had a tendency of seeing life through the lens of challenged to face and obstacles to overcome—really serious business! But I started watching people who had a way of handling difficulties with a light and playful touch. I started observing people who had a way of rubbing off on others. I am one of those who can let a person know they are heard by mirroring their sadness or depression or frustration. I do think it is a good skill to have. But, then there are these magicians who can take that same sadness or depression or frustration and lift the weight of it off one’s shoulders without the person feeling dismissed.
In St. Teresa’s terms I think these are the people who have “been tickled by God.” Have you met them? One of the things that ties them together is that they seem to enjoy the delight of the journey just as much or even more so than the success of an outcome. I think those of us committed to outcomes have a way of “taking the journey seriously.” But those who seem committed to the ups and downs, the ins and outs, the successes and failures of the journey are lighter. We outcome people are concerned about possible failure. Journey people can’t wait to peek around the next corner and see what delight might be awaiting them.
What if the true testament to life is not measured by what we accomplished, but is measured by how much we enjoyed it and delighted in it.
Sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Ponder these questions:
What would happen if you entered your day thinking less about the challenges you are facing and more about the opportunities before you?
Can you imagine God tickling you? If not, how far away is God from you? 10 feet? 10 miles? 10 lightyears?
I know this sounds nutty, but imagine God standing near you for one hour with a playful, mischievous smile. How would this change your interactions and disposition?