There’s a term in Celtic Christian Spirituality dating back hundreds of years that describes the moment we encounter God’s persistence in the midst of our busy and distracted lives. The term Thin Places has been used to describe “locations where the distance between Heaven and Earth collapse.”
In a thin place, the veil of God’s love is lifted. In this moment, God’s persistent love is revealed in a tangible way. Abraham’s grandson Jacob (who later received the name Israel and for which the nation of Israel was named after) describes the sense of a thin place in Genesis: “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it…How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!” (Genesis 28:16).
Thin places are not just physical locations. They are also found in normal, ordinary and everyday moments. It is in these moments we encounter the presence of God’s love as he gently and persistently blankets us in his affection for who we are.
God’s persistent love is under no constraint of environment. He persistently communicates his love for you in and amidst otherwise ordinary moments! For some of us, these moments of awe are found while folding laundry, taking a bike ride, gardening, tending chickens, preparing dinner, making coffee, or resting in your favorite chair. Yet in this moment we encounter a sense of awe. We sense his persistent love in a tangible way.
THE PATH — PRACTICES IN NOTICING
In the week ahead, remember Jacob’s words: “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it…How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!” (Genesis 28:16).
Practice Personally
At the end of the day, ask God to bring to mind a moment from your day that filled you with awe; a moment you found particularly awesome! As you remember this moment, allow God to translate that awesome moment into a personal message of love to you; “I love you. I love you so, so much! I’m just so happy to be with you!” Thank him for that moment and ask him to broaden your association of ‘awesome moments’ to include a personal message of love for who you are.
Practice Communally
Share with a group (or individual) in the Platt Park community a moment you encountered God’s persistent love. Speak to one another about this moment. Describe what happened. Try to articulate what it felt like. Consider together what personal message of love God may have been communicating to you.
Practice with Children
Cultivate a conversation of thin places with your family. Discus together awesome moments in their day. Affirm these moments as a tangible encounter of God’s persistent love for them.