One of the first books I read in 1996 after recognising the need to reconsider just about everything I had ever believed was God of Surprises by Gerard Hughes. I journalled my thoughts at the time and I've quoted a few of them here - a reflection of where I was on the journey about 15 years ago.
It is our inner life created by the interaction of all our relationships and all the decisions that we have made that affect our perception of the world, and determine our actions and reactions to it. We need to understand something of our own feelings - many of which are deeply buried!
What is our motivation? Do we have a vocation and the courage to live out our convictions?
Until we find ourselves, God will remain remote and shadowy - we find God in and through the development of human relationships. Remember that it is God who finds us and enables us to respond to his calling.
Iron sharpens iron - the need to ask questions! A real encounter with God and the subsequent potential often requires an earthquake - that can lead to freedom and liberation - a gradual peeling away of some of the layers of the onion. But this in turn can lead to a lack of security - and the temptation to stop questioning may be strong! The inner darkness will begin to be illuminated in different ways - some through head knowledge - others through heart awareness!
There is a need for a felt knowledge of God which affects the way we see ourselves, other people and the world around us - freeing us from the ought's and should's which have inhibited the development of our own personalities. Don't be afraid of negative thoughts and feelings - we can learn so much from them! Learn to appreciate the world around us - it is amazing!
We were created for God, and our hearts will remain restless until we find him! Be still and listen - accept the invitation to grow and change! But remember that there is a time and a place for anger and negative emotions - we can learn from the good and the bad - painful moods and feelings can be very creative. Learn to appreciate the good feelings and remember them - anchors for times f trouble! We need humility - a true sense of perspective - so that we can grow!
It is our inner life created by the interaction of all our relationships and all the decisions that we have made that affect our perception of the world, and determine our actions and reactions to it. We need to understand something of our own feelings - many of which are deeply buried!
What is our motivation? Do we have a vocation and the courage to live out our convictions?
Until we find ourselves, God will remain remote and shadowy - we find God in and through the development of human relationships. Remember that it is God who finds us and enables us to respond to his calling.
Iron sharpens iron - the need to ask questions! A real encounter with God and the subsequent potential often requires an earthquake - that can lead to freedom and liberation - a gradual peeling away of some of the layers of the onion. But this in turn can lead to a lack of security - and the temptation to stop questioning may be strong! The inner darkness will begin to be illuminated in different ways - some through head knowledge - others through heart awareness!
There is a need for a felt knowledge of God which affects the way we see ourselves, other people and the world around us - freeing us from the ought's and should's which have inhibited the development of our own personalities. Don't be afraid of negative thoughts and feelings - we can learn so much from them! Learn to appreciate the world around us - it is amazing!
We were created for God, and our hearts will remain restless until we find him! Be still and listen - accept the invitation to grow and change! But remember that there is a time and a place for anger and negative emotions - we can learn from the good and the bad - painful moods and feelings can be very creative. Learn to appreciate the good feelings and remember them - anchors for times f trouble! We need humility - a true sense of perspective - so that we can grow!
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