This past week I revisited the writings of Frank Laubach (1884-1970). In 1915 he and his wife left their home in in Benton, PA to serve as Congregational Christian missionaries to Mindanao, Philippines. After establishing churches on the island and becoming dean of Union College of Manila, he moved to work with the Moros, who viewed followers of Christ as enemies. Frank sought to live among them, showing love, and through educational efforts, teaching one-half of the 90,000 indigenous people how to read and write. His loving presence brought adventures, literacy, and the compelling love of God.
Adventures – Many exciting activities experienced with enthusiasm, often the exploration of the unknown.
Laubach wrote The Game With Minutes in which he made a plea for believers to live adventures with God by being alert to God for at least one second of every minute of every day, embodying the charge of the apostle Paul to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). However, years prior, Frank recorded his adventures of seeking after God, deliberately giving God his focus throughout the day, and the deepening quest of his soul to experience God in each movement of the day in letters that he wrote to his father (Letters by a Modern Mystic). Laubach wrote with fervor, sharing his spiritual adventures into unknown territory with God. He spoke of soul friendship and the power of sharing stories of encountering God. Frank exposed his capacious soul in loving and living with God and others.
Frank Laubach inspires me with both his devotion to the Lord and hunger to live attuned to the Spirit in all aspects of each day. I wondered if he might encourage and inspire you as well. Let me break down one of my favorite quotes by Laubach.
“In defense of my opening my soul and laying it bare to the public gaze in this fashion, I may say that it seems to me that we really seldom do anybody much good excepting as we share the deepest experiences of our souls in this way…
Frank’s letters bore his soul, allowing others to see within him. He recognized the gift of sharing the deepest parts of his being (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Reflect on your conversations in the last 24-48 hrs. What deep experiences of yourself and others were shared?
…It is not the fashion to tell your inmost thoughts, but there are many wrong fashions, and concealment of the best in us is wrong. I disapprove of the usual practice of talking “small talk” whenever we meet, and holding a veil over our souls…
The imagery of “holding a veil over our soul” strikes me greatly. When we maintain a conversation with small talk, we hide ourselves. We hide the work of God in the ups and downs of life when we fail to open up to others revealing the depths inside our soul. It might seem easier to talk about the weather, the latest TV show, or other people’s issues, yet this hinders authentic connection and community. Notice your conversations. What do you talk about with others? What hinders lifting the veil of your soul? In what ways does your dialogue point to an eternal trajectory?
…If we are so impoverished that we have nothing to reveal but small talk, then we need to struggle for more richness of soul…
Richness of soul grows by the Spirit as we live with God (Ephesians 3:16-18). When our souls are filled with God, we develop a depth of experience through adventures that ground our lives in Him. Our focus shifts from the temporary frivolities of power, prestige, and possessions to Presence, peace, and secure position in the saving love of our Triune God. We live in this world, but for the glory of God. We meet God spirit to Spirit and face to Face. We long for Him; to know Him and experience His transforming movement in our stories.
…As for me I am convinced that this spiritual pilgrimage which I am making is infinitely worthwhile, the most important thing I know of to talk about. And talk I shall while there is anybody to listen. And I hunger – O how I hunger for others to tell me their soul adventures.”
We are each on a spiritual pilgrimage – a journey into the heart of God (1 John 5:20). If it is true that God created us to know, love, and commune with Him, why is it that we struggle to share this most important aspect of our being? For Frank, his story with God was the most important topic of conversation. What is the most common topic of your conversations?
Each of our stories holds significance and God designed us to share them. The stories of our lives highlight the character of God; who He is and the ways He interacts with humanity. These adventures of our souls extend encouragement to others and spur us on in our quest with Christ.
Tell your soul adventures with confidence, courage, and kindness. Allow others to know God more deeply by witnessing His activity within your soul. “For we were willing to share not only the gospel of God with you, but also our own lives, because we loved you deeply” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
This week – – –
Reflect. Take inventory of your soul adventures with God. In what ways are you experiencing God in your story? How do you long to see more of God in your journey? What is your posture towards your spiritual journey: anticipation, apathy, hope, fear, confusion, satisfaction, weary, wonder, etc. Talk with God about your desires as you explore richness of soul with Him.
Request. Thank God for His presence with you. Ask God to increase your awareness of His presence in your day. Play the Game With Minutes with the Lord. “Can I bring God back in my mind-flow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind as an after image, shall always be one of the elements in every concept and precept?” (Laubach, Letters…March 23, 1930) Look for God. Linger with God. Live in God’s loving presence. Welcome the goodness of God in His adventures in your life.
Receive. Rest in Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” God gives life. He fills your soul with joy and eternal pleasures. Throw yourself open to God. Open your hands and heart. Receive God’s adventures to your soul: life, joy, and heavenly pleasures.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 John 5:20 – We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Frank Laubach. The Game with Minutes. Hartford, CT. 2012.
Frank Laubach. Letters by a Modern Mystic. Colorado Springs, CO. 2007.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
David Crowder Band. Every Move I Make Click here to watch and listen.
Steven Curtis Chapman The Great Adventure. Click here to watch & listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
April 22-May 5 – Poland and Ukraine (Teaching intensive course, “The Care of Souls,” at UBTS)
May 9 – Breathe Retreat, Littleton, CO
May 19-23 – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort. Littleton, CO