Space Invader

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, 

for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

--Exodus 3:6

It's snowy and blowy today, pretty typical for early March weather here. We put on lots and lots of layers to protect ourselves from the elements. Hardly a good day for taking off one's shoes-- er, mukluks-- and running around barefoot.

But I wonder.

What would it be like, if we tried to "run around barefoot," metaphorically speaking, every day of our lives?

God is right here, so ever-present among us. Yet we put on blinders, we add extra layers of "protection," and we lose touch with the Almighty.

The noise alone can be deafening, between iPods and the radio in the car, computers and cell phones. 

Just today I was reading about how tablets and e-readers change the way we read, because the temptations of email and electronic games are just a few clicks away. It's becoming harder and harder to just do one thing. We are conditioned to multitasking, all the time.

When Moses caught sight of the bush, burning but not being consumed, he stopped. He was so captivated by the phenomenon, he thought of nothing else. The allure of the Lord was overpowering.

And God said, "Take off your sandals. This is holy ground." 

A place Moses might have otherwise considered ordinary, made holy by an awareness of God's presence.

The spaces where we are drawn in to God's most holy presence-- become sacred spaces.

Bare feet are just the beginning. What God really desires-- is an innocence of soul, a desire for more. Hungry, curious-- expectant.

So many things positioned to come between us and God. So many layers to be peeled back.

Springtime is coming. But in the meantime-- where will you find holy ground? 

Where will you remove your sandals and allow the sacred presence of the Divine to invade your space, to tickle your toes and excite your curiosity?

Look! God's presence is unmistakably-- there. And there, and here. 

Set aside the toys. Log off-- you've read the blog for today! Give yourself to God. Start small. Think big.