As you and I move forward this side of Easter 2026, let’s do so with gratitude to Guy Bowman, a longtime friend IRL who shared this solid reminder —

We encounter God in the ordinariness of life; not in the search for spiritual highs and extraordinary mystical experiences, but in our simple presence in life. – Brennan Manning

— I love that.

Sometimes I need that.

You, too?

It can be so tempting to miss that simply profound point…by trying to add something pious-sounding like “and in our awareness of God’s presence in our lives”…or to fumble around with John 14:6 where Christ Jesus say he himself is “Life Itself”…or are we willing to let Brother Manning’s line stand as is?

And when did we develop habits like criticism and/or overthinking everything?

And how much do we miss in our indulgence of such things?

And how much are missing in our “search for spiritual highs and extraordinary mystical experiences” while we’re already swimming in God’s grace?

By the grace of God, we are living this side of Easter.

So let’s pay attention and enjoy and appreciate our simple presence in life.

Amen?