I think theologian Paul Tillich had it right when he said that there are three ways in which human beings experience Eternity in this physical existence. The first of these, and probably the least intense way, is through general knowledge. There is so much to know in this universe and we put such effort and energy into knowing it. Underlying the vast fabric of scholarship is an assumption that all our incremental knowledge holds the potential, when somehow connected like the panels of a quilt, to reflect all knowledge. There is a belief that we can indeed come to know and record all that is knowable. When and if this happens, we may then touch, but only barely touch, the mind of Eternity.

The second area of human endeavor that holds the potential of helping us remember, awaken, or even experience some of Eternity is that of artistic expression. Ironically, much education in the arts is about acquiring knowledge rather than about artistic expression. I suppose that is inevitable. A foundation is needed-knowledge, understanding, and technique. For most of us, a capacity for aesthetic comes with time, work, and experience.  How seldom, however, do we see the need to move beyond acquiring knowledge and manipulating it for personal advancement or pleasure. How often do we lack the capacity to appreciate a great deal of the artistic expression we see, hear, taste, and touch until much later.  Most artists lack recognition while they live. In terms of our own capacity to express ourselves artistically, what little confidence we have in our own voice! But there is nothing more important in our mortal lives than to find our own voice and use it, to discern our sense of direction and follow it, and to take the road less traveled despite the risks. When we sing our song, write our poem, and speak our wisdom, we can find a deeper, more intense remembering of the greater meaning-the Eternal, the divine of our lives.

The most profound experience of Eternity we can have in this life is through deep personal and intimate relationship with another human being. Such relationship requires no special education or technique. What is required is the skill given us by the nurturing love of family and/or friends. This skill is cultivated by practice and brought to life by risking the self in love regardless of the response of those loved. The greatest risk in relationship is to look on another without turning away, and to allow others to see you fully regardless of your self-critique. To the extent we can live and love openly and with courage, we can see God in each other and in ourselves. In the process, we open ourselves to the pain of loss and grief. At the same time, we awake to the Eternity which is already in us and around us, and we experience the deep mystery that heaven is more here than anywhere else and more now than in any future or past dream.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.  

--Jack F. Price

To read more by Jack, be sure to order your copy of Finding Faith: Honest Answers about God, the Bible, and the Church Today at:  www.findingfaithnow.com or www.lulu.com/buy (download available)

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