Speaking of irony.
This time last week I was experiencing past and present thin places, those wonderful times when you feel certain of God's presence. But ask Moses. Those highs don't last.
When I started this blog back up about a year ago, I decided not to write unless I felt inspired. It may be a song lyric, a passage out of a book, or a purple car. But I won't write unless I feel some gush of inspiration where I just have to write.
So yesterday and this morning I have been thinking about how uninspired I feel this week. Where did God go? Why does God once again feel distant and silent? Is it really God, or is it me?
I have good friend in Dallas who is a psychologist. He and I talked one afternoon a few years ago about working with people, and how we all at times get stressed, feel down, and all that jazz. He said something I have shared now a number of times. We are in greatest danger for temptation and depression when we feel hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. He said to remember the word "HALT." If you are feeling down, go down the word:
H - Hungry
A - Angry
L - Lonely
T - Tired
If you are any one of the above, heed the warning signs; if you are any two of the above, watch out.
I have had a cold/cough now for over two weeks. I feel fine other than a persistent cough that just won't go away. I'm wondering if the word should be "HALTS" with the "S" standing for "Sick." I'm also wondering whether such things get in the way of our contact with God. I don't think God has gone anywhere over the past week. I have. My being uninspired probably has more to do with me than it does with God.
So why, you may be asking, am I confessing to the world that I feel uninspired? The answer is simple: I think you do too sometimes. You do, don't you?
You see, we church types are conditioned to have to come to church and say we're feeling "Fine."
"How you doin'?"
"Oh, I'm fine."
What might happen if you replied, "I'm feeling uninspired."
Perhaps one of the best arguments for going to church every Sunday stems from this feeling of lacking God's presence. Gathering with other Christians reminds us that we are not alone, whether high on a mountain, down in the valley, or somewhere in between. The silence of God may feel as persistent as nighttime. But when we come together to proclaim eternal truths that outlast our temporary perceptions... well... it casts everything in a different light.
So here we are today, gathered in our little cyber-congregation proclaiming another truth. In my lack of inspiration, I really have nothing to say to you today, brothers and sisters. But maybe next week I will.
We'll see.
