“Think of God in a very big way. And if you do, that’s too small! You can’t think of anything more wonderful than this God. And you can’t figure out anything about God without a special grace. … God is so marvelously good, there is no word for it. So gentle. So considerate. So kind, so tender – so everything marvelous. That is God. And whatever you say is far less than it is. As Paul says, ‘It hasn’t crossed the imagination of any human being what God has prepared for those who love him.’” ~ Father Thomas Keating, speaking at the annual conference of Contemplative Outreach, Snowmass, CO, October 2012
Scripture does not contain all that God is. Nor does nature, or philosophy, or religion, or the human imagination. As human beings, we can only know God in small ways, and yet we can open our hearts to a deeper and holier experience of God through contemplation, prayer, and trusting our own sense of wonder and awe in the face of Ultimate Mystery! The God we imagine we know is always going to be smaller than the God whose steadfast love will ultimately have the last word in this world of incredible beauty and needless suffering.
Words and photo (c) 2012 Mark Lloyd Richardson
dreamprayact 
I like this a lot. And I love the photo! Was that in Central Park?
On Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 11:34 AM, dreamprayact
Thanks! Yep, that’s Central Park.
“If I describe Thee, O my God, as Him Who is the All-Perceiving, I find myself compelled to admit that They Who are the highest Embodiments of perception have been created by virtue of Thy behest. And if I extol Thee as Him Who is the All-Wise, I, likewise, am forced to recognize that the Well Springs of wisdom have themselves been generated through the operation of Thy Will. And if I proclaim Thee as the Incomparable One, I soon discover that they Who are the inmost essence of oneness have been sent down by Thee and are but the evidences of Thine handiwork. And if I acclaim Thee as the Knower of all things, I must confess that they Who are the Quintessence of knowledge are but the creation and instruments of Thy Purpose.” ~ Baha’u’llah
Dear Mark, your utterly beautiful post brought to mind one of my favourite verses which similarly echoes your magnificent sentiments of God. Indeed it is mind boggling to me when I contemplate Him who is the Most Manifest of the Manifest and the Most Hidden of the Hidden.
Always a joy to be here. Always blessed to be here. Thank you and wishing you and your family a wonderful weekend. Sharon
Sharon, Thank you for taking the time to share that wonderful verse! It’s great. Many blessings to you, Mark
yes! we keep God in the box. My mind can not grasp the garganuancy (I made that up 🙂 ) of the creator of the galaxies. Thank you for this good reminder.
I appreciate your comment. Thanks so much for stopping by. Blessings, Mark
Wonderful post .. thanks!
Thanks for your comment. Mark
Another absolutely lovely post Mark. Your quotes are amazing, as are your own words. Reminds me of a wee ditty of a poem I memorized many years ago:
“Whosoever moves towards God
Through doubtings dim,
God will advance a mile
In blazing light to him.”
Thank you so very much for sharing your wise heart and talented words with us all here.
With gratitude, Gina
Thank you, Gina. I like the wee ditty you shared. Thanks for always being the encourager. Grateful for your words, Mark