SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES

Winter Trees photo by Pnewbery

"I have always found that it is in the impression of the absence of God where his presence is most felt, that in the wintry spirituality one sees more clearly. You see the structure of the tree when the leaves are gone...it rings true to the human condition, and it also affirms."
So speaks Professor and Lutheran pastor, Martin Marty, regarding his faith experience in this week's chapter from the Life of Meaning as interviewed by Kate Olson.
How do you interpret Marty's impression from above?

In our book's chapters on prayer, Marty states he needed a prayer practice that brought him into the "now." Prayer not as a verbal exchange but as a breaking of the guilt of the past and the worry of tomorrow that allows the now to be. This he does through seven minute naps during the day.
Strength for the day. What does that say about our condition?

Marty states, "I describe myself spiritually as a hitchhiker on the spirituality of others." How is this true for you?

"I have learned in dealing with people that a spiritual life devoted entirely to highs and happiness and 'praise the Lord' simply doesn't do justice to reality." Marty so expresses. Which begs the question.
What have you learned in dealing with people?

Walter Morton for Terra Incognita