Hindsight

Today's scripture speaks volumes about the experience of being in God's presence.  On the heels of Transfiguration Sunday, it is a good read!

Whenever I read a story like this from the Old Testament, I marvel at the detailed account of conversations between God and human.  God speaks to Moses "like a friend", "face to face".  But its not like sitting across a table at Panera exchanging eye contact.  There's the "pillar of cloud" factor--the hidden nature of the Lord.

Then, Moses asks for God's revelation of "glory" (show me your ways) so that the journey of the faithful can proceed.   His request is met by the clear reminder that God can and will envelope His people where they are, even as His Hand shelters them from God's own immensity.

In the end, Moses can only see God's back as God moves on.  

It seems that when we are in God's presence we are often unaware of the totality of what is really going on.  It is much more than we can comprehend in the moment.  In fact, often we don't even recognize that we have been enfolded by God until after the event has passed.  God's power and glorious might intersects with our existence and then passes on to the next chapter of our life.

That is why it is good to look at life reflectively.

At a recent retreat I asked the participants to develop a time line.  The instructions were simple.

On a blank sheet of paper, draw a horizontal line.   Write your birth date to the far left.  Then list on the line dates of events or "phases" of your life.  Include as many details as possible -- what was going on, who was involved, what were you doing?

Draw a vertical line perpendicular to the various events.  Along that line write down everything that you can recall about what God was doing in the midst of the event.

How was your faith affected by the event?  What did God provide that escaped your awareness at the time?  How were you being shaped by God in ways to prepare you for a later event?

You know, there's a whole lot more to this Faith Formation stuff than quaint sentimentality.  Recollection of the many, many times that God has intersected with your life increases your ability to appreciate all that God has given you.  With your heightened of awareness God's previous involvement in your life,  you may find that you can more clearly "see" God leading you through this day.

Try drawing your Faith Timeline.  What do you notice?