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PrintSaying 'Hi' to God
I might have stumbled upon a secret that should not be something hidden. I was surprised how small this moment of discovery actually was. Not one of those flashing neon lights, sirens blaring two centimeters from your face moments. This was something I could have easily missed if I had checked Facebook for the 10th time that day, been texting my best friend, hunting down episodes of my favorite shows online, or dancing with technology in a myriad of other ways. See a trend here?
All of the ways I happily marry myself to business and technology eat away at my soul day in and day out. I often find that in the process of balancing my relationship with God, all of my creative endeavors, my family, my unsuccessful job hunt, my dogs, and my own physical health something always gets neglected. And the plates I usually drop in this balancing act? God—and eating healthy (very happy caffeine addict here!)
How do I fix this? Take a sabbatical to a convent and meditate in silence? If that's what works for you—me, however? No, not the answer. Silence makes me sleepy. Wail in repentance and promise to do better? The few times I attempted this route I failed, just like we all would. And that is what makes God's grace, His willingness to love me through all those times I fail, and crumple broken at His feet so beautiful to me. Which brings me back to the secret. How do I maintain spiritual health as a young woman living in day-to-day insanity?
The secret is so simple that I almost feel dumb explaining it. I stop. Literally, if that is what it takes. I stop, breathe, take in all of creationís wonder around me and just simply acknowledge that God is here, even whispering "Hi God!" sometimes. When I do that, letting the flow of technology and life curl around me like a stream rushing past a boulder, a little place deep inside of me relaxes. My entire day could be a disaster, or the most marvelous day—or just something blandly in-between. All I know is that if I don't take a few seconds and turn to face my Redemption and Creator, I feel like someone who has avoided the chiropractor even though her back might be out of alignment and twisting sideways.
And so yes, there are rituals within the Christian life. I go to church on Sunday morning and celebrate God's continuing presence in my life. I am trying to get better about reading His word (although I've never been someone diligent with any routine), and I try to live by His truth. Without that personal element, knowing that when I stop and say "Hi," He says "Hi" right back, all of these rituals would be dust in my hands. This is what keeps me going. This is my secret and now you are in on it.
Amanda Morris is a recent graduate from the MFA Creative Writing program at Spalding University. She is working hard to find a job before the student loans kick into repayment and sell her visual art at the same time. She lives with her very creative family and three dogs in South Carolina.
