Hide and Seek

One of my favorite games as a little girl was Hide & Seek.

My childhood home had wonderful nooks and crannies, the cold cellar, garage, attic, and large partitioned basement, all of which made it a haven to hide… especially if one could hold in the giggles or stifle a sneeze when someone got close.

I was really good at hiding.

Sometimes my brothers would get bored of looking for me.

They’d go off to play with their Lincoln Logs or Erector Sets while I was hunkered down waiting to be found.  Silly girl… no one was even seeking.  (Wikis provided for those under 40.)

Then there were games when I could hear them calling my name from afar.

I would very quietly crawl out my little hiding spot and stealthily move someplace a little closer so they might have a chance of finding me.

We’re all in our 50s now and have a hard enough time finding our car keys.

So, what triggered this walk down memory lane?  

“Contemplative Provocations“, a beautiful little book by Fr. Donald Haggerty, has born much fruit in mental prayer. So much so that I can’t seem to get past the first chapter.

This morning I was drawn to reread the first page; focused on a quote from St. Therese Lisieux followed with a reflection by the good father.

The Little Flower is quoted:

When one comes closer to grasp it the hand draws back.

St. Therese is speaking of how God draws us in.

He is magnetic; a mysterious lover. 

But, just when we think we’ve caught Him, He hides deeper, becomes more quiet.  Like the game of Hide and Seek, He wants to be found but knows the search is necessary for our spiritual growth.

Fr. Haggerty beautifully reflects:

Jesus surely had a favorite game as a child, the game of Hide and Seek. Every child is familiar with this game; every adult remembers it. Even as a grown man, however, Jesus never ceased to play this game in a most serious manner. He continues to do so as the Incarnate Son who hides and must be sought. We must seek Him always in His hiding. In one sense all of spiritual life, all the deeper riches and poverty of a contemplative life, depends on persevering in this holy game.

Since developing a rule of life that includes the silence of morning mental prayer, the game has become more provocative.

I search in earnest and can sense the Lord drawing me deeper into His Heart.  And, every once in a while I catch a glimpse of my beloved Lord; the moment so fleeting I am left to wonder if my eyes were deceived.

Almost tempted to use the word “tease”, I dare not since Webster define it thus:

“to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity without intending to satisfy it”

There is a place in the deepest part our being where God arouses our senses to His presence.

Preparing ourselves in that silent meditation the soul makes itself available for true contemplation – pure gift from God to choose to shower, enrapture, as He sees fit.

Little flutters within, an ache that brings joy, tears… breathe taken away.

Webster’s definition fails for our purpose because God DOES intend to satisfy, but only when our soul is perfected.

When purged of impurities, healed of all wounds, restored to perfectly magnify the Lord, this game of Hide and Seek will find its completion.

This is that holy game, dear friends, that the Lord hopes you will play.

Keep seeking the hidden, prepare to be drawn in, and know of my prayers for you.

Please pray for me.