“NO MAN IS AN ISLAND”

Isolation of our soul from others may perceive to be safe but is a delusion that cannot be sustained in order for our soul to thrive. The isolated ego is the self-preserving ego that protects itself from perceived harm to oneself. In this way, it is a learned defensive behavior based on cumulative effects of deep hurt and wound.

To be sure, community is messy and filled with trouble and is often riddled in a world of hurts. At the same time, community also represents abundance, joy, and ample opportunity for growth and maturity. Even in pain and troubles, one simply cannot live without community. A soul that does not know or have community is precarious at best.

Throughout my life, I’ve been part of multiple communities that describe all of the above. All communities are abundance and pain. I’ve also been an originator and a recipient of both abundance and pain. I’ve seen my worst and best in communities, and my worst can be opportunities for growth whereas my best can be a downfall. That’s how we all roll.

Wherever I am, God is. It took me decades to land this conviction in my spiritual walk. I have thought and taught that I needed to find where God is at work so I can go and join God. One of the great tasks in my spirituality was to discern where God was at work so I could partner with God. Over time though, I began to realize that my spirituality is not necessarily about trying to find where God is at work and join God but rather to “come home” to my God-given self and recognize God is right in the midst of my life, ever patiently waiting (and never forcing) for me to recognize God. My life that is sometimes very mundane, occasionally wild, seldom hopelessly lost, brimming with new adventures and excitements, and full of hope and love. . . My whole life as it unfolds. . .

I do not deny the good of seeking where God is at work beyond our life. One key in understanding where God might be at work is to first discern and be aware of God’s presence in our life. This interior awareness works as a necessary building block in recognizing God at work beyond our life.

Digging deeper, when we say we experience God, we are finally waking up to the truth that we are utterly and perfectly known by God. It is not about our ability or capacity to know God as much as God knowing us intimately and perfectly. Thus our knowledge of God is experienced by the acceptance of God knowing us.

In the same way, wherever we are as a community (“where two or three have gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” Jesus said), Jesus is and God is and the Spirit. The humanity’s instinctive attraction and need for authentic and loving community originates from none other than the triune God, the perfect community of the three in one and one in three.

As I recognize God’s presence wherever I am, my capacity and ability to recognize God’s presence in otherness (including others and nature) increase. This hospitable capacity then becomes the basis upon how a safe community gets established. Once a community is perceived as safe for and from all, that is precisely where God’s creativity and authenticity are in full display, attracting and thus expanding the circle of community and the depth deepened. Just as God is present in my life, God is present in otherness.

My wife and I are part of a few ongoing group spiritual direction communities. These are our intimate, safe, and authentic communities of faith that are walking in life together. We’ve experienced increasing depth and awareness of God’s presence through one another. Before the pandemic, I didn’t think this would be possible without face-to-face interactions. We have found that it is more than possible to a point where it is giving us a vision of what can be in the next season of our ministry.

The truth that God is present in our life doesn’t necessarily mean we always recognize God’s presence in our life. The keys are awareness and acceptance. Awareness of simply, utterly, and perfectly being known as life turns and twists. . . Acceptance of what is, being in the present moment. . . Awareness leads to wisdom to know how to live now whereas acceptance translates into surrender in the now.