5.1.15–>”Everything Belongs?”

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“Everything Belongs” is the title of a book written by Richard Rohr. I enjoy his writing immensely because it is so thought-provoking. He’s one of those authors I read and think, “I don’t know if I agree with this,” but then I keep reading and he brings it around in such a unique and thoughtful way that it just makes me say, “Ohhhhhh, wow. Yeah.”

I was sharing with a friend last week that I believe the reason I’ve so enjoyed shocking people over the years by ridiculosity is not only to get a reaction out of people, though that is very gratifying, but deep down I want authenticity. I want people to think. I want to be provoked to greater depth. To be jolted out of the doldrums of the cliche and mindlessness of conformity.

Talking with my friend Jim yesterday, we were sharing with one another how easy it is to go a little numb via our readings, as good as they can be.

“Just talk to me.”

This is what Jim and I hear God saying to us sometimes. Not “Stop reading” necessarily, but just “Don’t ever stray from talking to me, from hanging out with me, from spending every moment together and experiencing all of life with me.”

When in this healthy mode, you see that “everything belongs.” By this I mean, you are not ego or agenda driven so much and can actually see God working in the minute and ordinary of everyday. You’re not living in that numb pragmatism, and therefore, you’re able to enjoy whatever comes your way, taking the time to converse with God about every interruption and see what He may be showing you or doing in it.

Maybe everything does belong, and it is our limited vision that drives us to frustration and madness, thinking things like flat tires or cancellations don’t belong. Well perhaps those are the very places God has something not only for us, but for those around us (through us) in the midst of those “frustrations.” Could those be the very places of healing and blessing that we are constantly missing because of our egos, and seeing only through the lens of my self-serving itinerary for the day?

Oh that I would be single-mindedly focused on You in the present moment, listening to what You are saying in it.

In the Name of Jesus,
Soli Deo Gloria

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