As you know, it really doesn't matter on how many different paths our ideas and thoughts concerning the spiritual life may take us, we must needs always return to THE WAY - the only way that can surely lead us directly into the great Heart of God - THE LOVE WAY.
It seems the will can accomplish great feats along many lines; it can win many battles; it can prove many points; it can arrive at great attainments, physically and mentally, achieving both wealth and health; it can acquire fabulous material possessions, and social prestige - ALL THIS, while the soul - the only part of man that will live forever! - is left starved and desolate. This is the case because the only thing that nourishes, quickens, and fosters its growth is the soul's complete response to GOD'S LOVE for her.
God, in the first place, created us, because He was lonesome, and desired friendship - fellowship - companionship, yes, lovership! He desired someone to whom He could communicate His great, overflowing LOVE - the goodness, kindness, generosity, beauty, faith, humility, gentleness and every other God-like characteristic of His Divine Nature. For the most part, His magnanimous purpose, the hunder and longing of His Soul for our love, to unite us with Himself, hasn't yet been realized. What grief and disappointment this has brought to His loving heart! To be rebuffed or ignored by the very ones He gave His life to SAVE and unite to Himself!
In spite of this Divine Tragedy, our Lover-Lord is never discouraged, but continues to "knock at our heart's door, 'mid sunshine and rain, patiently waiting an entrance to gain." Oh, WHAT LOVE! What wonderous love! How can we give Time, Attention and deepst Affection to the things of this world, when the Lord of all the earth, the King of Glory, longs for our love and esires to make us one with HIM. Nothing on earth or in heaven can be sweeter; and He hath promised to give us "all things richly to enjoy, IN HIM."
Oh, may He help us to forget the things that are behind and accept His offer to be The One True Lover of Our Soul - our Dearest Friend - our ALL and in all!
-MEJ