"Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?'

Psalm 139:7

Recently, I received a survey in the mail from a Unitarian congregation in Atlanta, one to which I belonged in the early 80's. It asked about my experiences in the church during those years and my thoughts about desired directions for the future.

As I thought back, I realized that the church had been a loving, supportive, Christ-like place which never mentioned God or Christ or the Holy Spirit. Other religions were discussed and analyzed, but the primary focus was humanism. I gained a great deal from the church -- affirmation and love and support and the expansion of my mind -- but it didn't take long for me to "forget about" first, Jesus, and then God. I had not purposely fled from God's presence, but I was living my life without reminders of God's presence.

I need to remember that the reverse is also true. If I desire to experience more of God's presence, it would behoove me to surround myself with reminders that God "hems me in, behind and before." That might mean time spent meditating on an icon, reading Christian literature (not all of it is bad!), listening to Christian music (Marsha Stevens is HIGHLY recommended!), maybe even watching one of the less reactionary tele-evangelists such as Joyce Meyer. I have teaching tapes I have never listened to and others I need to hear again. I could be more active on the Whosoever lists. There are a of possibilities!

What can you do to remind yourself of God presence in your life every day?

Almighty God, remind us that you are. Remind us that you care. Remind us to live our lives with an ever-growing consciousness of your presence. Amen.