Finding God

I find myself searching for God everywhere. Here are a few of the places where I've caught a glimpse lately...

Podcast: The Turning: The Sisters Who Left (Season One)
This investigative series shares the complicated and nuanced stories of several former nuns who served in the Missionaries of Charity under Mother Teresa. Their interviews touch on intimate topics including self-flagellation, unquestioning obedience, forbidden relationships, and finding themselves after leaving the order. The podcast examines the threshold of spiritual devotion, and what happens when our humanity finally pushes back.

Visual Art: The Distance I Can Be From My Son, by Lenka Clayton
On my recent trip to Austin TX I visited the Blanton Art Museum where I came across this installation. In three short videos Clayton lets her toddler loose and documents how far he can get before she chases after him. It was humorous, and brought back memories of my children's preschool years. As I watched the trio of clips, I noticed that "the distance I can be from my son" had more to do with line-of-sight than it did with measurable distance. In a grocery story the little one wandered alone until he turned a corner out of sight. In a field he went a much greater distance until nearly disappearing into a grove of trees.

The video left me contemplating how far we can get from God. Of course, we know that there is no true separation between us and God, but a significant part of the human experience seems to be centered around sensing a distance and playing in that liminal space. Like a curious toddler we wander down the aisles and through the fields, but just when it feels like we may wander out of sight Spirit has a way of calling us back.

Music: Energy Follows Thought by Willie Nelson
I was introduced to this delightful song and video by Licensed Unity Teacher Marty Thurman. Enjoy!