Many years ago I was introduced to the life and works of Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius was a sixteenth-century spiritual reformer and the founder of the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order. Although he had aspirations of knightly honor and valor, after a disabling leg injury during a military battle in Spain, Ignatius encountered God in new and mysterious ways. This led him into a life of self-reflection and reform in which he lived a simple life serving those in need.
The focus of Ignatius was to live a life for the greater glory of God and the helping of souls. Telling people about God and his grace through Jesus Christ became Ignatius’ life ambition. Through his own journey, Ignatius learned to listen to God intimately and use his imagination to encounter God which brought him closer to the Almighty. With his imagination, he often likened spiritual realities with everyday living.
Ignatius taught many profound truths and spiritual practices. One of my favorite Ignatian teachings is to “find God in all things and in all things find God” (Proverbs 5:21-23, Romans 8:38-9, Psalm 23, Ephesians 4:6). This perspective took root in my heart over 18 years ago and impacts the way I live with God today. Grounded in Colossians 1, looking for God in every aspect of life infiltrated my internal operating system and developed with my soul.
Not long ago someone said they wanted to get inside my mind, heart, and body, to see how I experience God. As I reflected on this idea, the Lord reminded me of the influence of Ignatius and Colossians 1. Often, when I offer soul care, I declare the Truth that “God is before all things and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
When I open my eyes in the morning, my soul is already talking with Jesus. He companions me throughout the day and shows me things. The Spirit of God often stirs within me images, metaphors, and analogies from everyday living. Awareness of God’s presence and activity in all of life continues to grow within me and deepen as I age.
Liken – To point out the resemblance of; to compare or show connection; to make an analogy or metaphor.
Just this week, as Grace ran through the sparkling snow scooping it up with her mouth, I wondered about the ways we scoop up Jesus in our lives. Do we run enthusiastically toward Jesus, anticipating refreshment? What kind of “scoop” am I enjoying with God (prayer, Scripture, music, community, solitude, etc.)? And, just as Grace had white speckles stuck to her face after scooping up the snow, how does my life reflect being with Jesus?
How about you? Do you run toward Jesus eager to “scoop” up time and experience with Him?
These ideas don’t demand effort on my part, they usually just come to me. I believe God, knowing the way He uniquely formed me, meets all of me through my intellect, experiences, study, personality, emotions, and internal longings. For example, frigid temperatures descended upon Denver this weekend and I found myself wondering about any “frozen” parts within me and my journey with Jesus? What spaces in my soul does God desire to thaw? Am I willing to surrender to His invitation and movement within me?
Might there be some frozen places within your soul, that are hard towards God or others? Rest with God — welcome the warmth of His presence to thaw these spaces.
The metaphors and analogies that I notice throughout the day illumine and broaden my understand and experience of God. They often evoke within me emotion, spiritual hunger, and growth. They drive me to Scripture as I explore them further with the Lord. I enjoy sharing these ideas through The Spigot, retreats, teaching, and soul care. Why? For the purposes of encouraging spiritual attentiveness to God, Biblical connection to life, and deep communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Spirit bubbles up inside of me ways to liken ordinary life with spiritual realities. God leads my mind and heart to connections between everyday living and experience with Scripture and the Trinity. I glean insights into God’s character, the mystery of the Spirit, and living in the way of Jesus by looking around me and engaging with life. For example, a few of those spiritual realities that I notice flowing from the ordinary are: blowing bubbles reflects forgiveness as well as the gentleness of God, mints connect with anointing, rocks aid discernment, a fidget spinner offers rest, a kaleidoscope resembles reflection, playdoh depicts formation, a bouncy ball helps with prayer, duct tape resembles God’s faithfulness, a hair-tie signifies being stretched, and on and on…You get the idea 😊.
Perhaps some might resist this idea, suggesting that I put too much on a spiritual level. I understand; I haven’t always thought and lived this way. For me, it has been a part of God’s transforming work within my soul. Julian of Norwich, an anchoress, described it this way: “The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything.” Brother Lawrence likened finding God in all things to “practicing the presence of God.” If Psalm 139 is true, then seeing and seeking God in all things is Biblically based and ordained by God because He is with us each and every moment.
What might it look like for you? What if someone got inside your mind, heart, and body to notice your experience of God? In what ways do you notice God stirring you throughout the day? Are you open to His nudges to show you spiritual realities in the midst of daily living?
I find it fun when God shakes within me likening everyday situations and objects to His presence and power. Join me in the journey of seeing God in all things, and in all things seeing God.
This week – – –
Reflect. Wonder with God about the unique ways you encounter His presence. Psalm 105:4 – “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” How might you seek the Lord throughout the day? What might help develop this spiritual attentiveness in your life?
Request. Thank God for His continual presence (Matthew 11:28). As you go about your day, not matter the situation, speak aloud, “God is here.”
Receive. Rest in the depths of God’s extravagant love for you (Romans 8:38-39). Look for the ways He cares for you throughout the day. Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
John 14:16 – And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Andrew Wilson and Jen Wilkin. God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World. Grand Rapids, MI. 2021.
William A. Barry. Finding God in All Things: A Companion to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Notre Dame, IN. 2009.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Leanna Crawford. How Can You Not. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70JD5YTemJc
One House. In Everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VeP6a9mU0
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
January 28 – February 12 – Australia (Women’s Retreat Feb. 1)
February 14 – Breath Retreat (10am-12pm), Littleton, CO (all are welcome)
March 16-18 – Soul Care Encounter, Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA Click here for information
April 22-May 5 – Poland and Ukraine (Teaching intensive course, “The Care of Souls,” at UBTS)