Power in simplicity

by Rebecca Duncan

Inspiration by Bouguereau (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons).

Catholic Spirituality Blogs Network has been running a series about the Spiritual Idiolect.  The Spiritual Idiolect is the unique way that each of us interacts or speaks with God.  

One thing I've noticed in the way I talk to God is that when I'm closer to Him I tend to say less.

If I go back through my prayer journal, I can usually tell simply by how long that day's entry is whether I was recollected that day or not.  If I'm not recollected the entries tend to be long, chaotic, restless and focused on myself and whatever problems I'm having.  If I'm recollected, the entries are short, to the point, peaceful, and focused on God even amidst difficulties. 

It's the same when I'm not writing.  If I'm recollected, I don't want to hear from myself.  I need to be silent before the Lord.  If I'm not recollected, I tend to spend a lot of time talking to Him about my problems and indulging in self-pity.

When I was converted, God gave me a very specific knowledge of who He is.  He is love, and He wants to consume me with His love.  That was my introduction to the Lord.  It was simple and yet so powerful.  When I allow Him to love me, I am consumed.  I decrease and He increases.  In those rare times, everything in my life becomes simple and powerful. 

Rebecca blogs at  Otaku Catholic.