I was
introduced to a Celtic idea called “thin places” recently by a student of mine.
I have had these kinds of experiences before but never had this particular language
to describe them. The Celtic phrase, “thin places,” describes situations where
heaven and earth come together so profoundly that the distance between them is
almost erased – a moment of connection to the Divine that is close and profoundly
intimate.
In the
Celtic tradition, heaven and earth are about 3 feet apart. But in “thin places”
the distance is significantly reduced. I’m not certain about the 3 feet
estimation of this tradition, but I’ve definitely had “thin place” experiences.
When I was
in high school I went on a two week backpacking trip into the high Rocky
Mountains of Colorado. We packed in our food and water for a wonderful
experience in the mountains. I was stunned and amazed every day and night at
all that I was seeing.
We had some remarkable
opportunities. We saw herds of elk passing through grassy valleys, majestic
eagles flying overhead, and dug out snow-packed areas for tent sites. I saw and
experienced things that I never had before as a teen from the plains of West
Texas. I had a tremendous time.
And I
learned the most important rule of camping and hiking – never go anywhere
alone. We were paired up and had a buddy for most of the trip. On occasion we
had a different buddy but mine for the majority of the trip was Beth.
One night –
way into the wee hours – nature called. I tried very hard to wake Beth up but
she was out cold. I tried a few others in our camp and no one was budging. So I
decided I could head out on my own as long as I stayed close to the camp (I
know, it was dumb but I was young and fearless). I grabbed my trusty flashlight
and headed out.
After
completing my task, I thought I saw some deer moving by me and followed a bit
to get a closer look at them. It did not take long for me to get turned around
and lost.
Then
something bad happened. The batteries in my flashlight burned out and I was in
the dark. It wasn’t just dark – it was pitch dark. It was the darkest kind of
dark that I had ever experienced. I could not even see my hand in front of my
face. And I began to get a bit scared.
Then I
started to panic. I was lost, I had no light, and I did not know what to do. So
I sat down to figure out what to do next. I wondered who would find me and tell
my parents I loved them if I did not make it back home (I know, it’s dramatic
but again – I was young).
As I sat
there, my eyes started to adjust to the dark. And as they did, I discovered
that it was not as dark as I had thought it was. There was actually light shining
from the amazing array of stars up in the sky. But I was in the high Rockies
and they appeared so close that I literally thought I could reach out and touch
some of them. There were millions of them – bright, shiny, translucent, and
flickering.
In that
moment I knew heaven and earth were so close together and that I was
experiencing that. There was a razor’s edge between the two. And it was astonishing.
I hope you have had “thin moments,” as well. But some of you may never have
felt this kind of closeness to the Divine or heaven or God or whatever your
call this presence. But in that moment I believe that I did.
I felt calmer,
I began to make out familiar tree lines and ridges, and I could see the
outlines of the area where I was pretty sure our campsite was. I began to walk on
a trail I found – lit by the abundant heavenly stars – and found the campsite
in just a short hike.
It was
definitely a “thin place.” And I was grateful heaven and earth were so close
together in that moment.
But I’ve
also had the reverse – I guess we could call them “think places.” I had moments
when I did not feel connected to God and times when I felt a great distance between
heaven and earth. It felt much wider
than 3 feet. Most of you have felt the same way.
Now as I
look back on the moments when I felt the distance between heaven and earth was wider
or felt somewhat alone, I know it was not God who moved away. The Divine was
still very close – maybe I did not feel it as close as I felt it on that
mountaintop, but God was close nonetheless. The distance between heaven and
earth is so often erased.
What’s the
difference? Sometimes I’m just not sure. Was it me being open and needy on the
mountaintop that led me to feel that connection? Or was it simply the
circumstances? I can’t say I really have an answer but I am trying to be open
to the “thin places” every day. Some days I am better than others – but I pray
to be open enough to experience them. And I pray for you to experience them
too.
