What is it? Something that actually exists? Something tangible? Something material? Something authentic? Something that can be verified, confirmed, corroborated, proven, documented, supported, authenticated, validated? Fact?

Truth?

Reality...

Recently, I heard someone say that reality is only reality as far as an individual acknowledges that it is reality.

Another's response to that statement was: “No way. Reality is reality. An individual's response or perception has nothing to do with its existence. Reality just IS.”

“Where is all this going?” I wondered.

“I tend to think of reality as being different for every individual,” another commented.

Again, “No way,” came the response. “Reality does not change according to someone's perception of it.”

The subject was dropped as time did not permit a chance for any real debate.

But I have continued to think about reality.

Actually, I believe there is only one reality. Since, however, “believe” means to hypothesize, surmise, theorize, consider, regard or think, I suppose I would not have had a leg to stand on if the conversation had continued and I had participated.

Reality...

Is it the same for all? Does it change with one's perception of it? People change. Circumstances change. Settings change. Natural resources change. Does reality change with generations and cultures?

I suppose there can be a temporal reality and an eternal reality. I suspect that eternal reality is unchanging, whereas temporal, physical or tangible reality may be transient or short-lived.

I prefer to believe — there I go again using that word believe — that there is an eternal reality and it is God. I believe there is an Almighty Creator God, a Heavenly Father who is truly the supreme being of the universe. I believe He is the great “I AM.” And I suppose it is in my limited knowledge of the holy and eternal “I AM” that I perceive unchanging reality.

Perhaps an unchanging God amidst constantly changing times is what I comprehend as the only continuing reality.

So, where does God fit into our grand scheme of things? We just can't quite grasp it can we? He doesn't have to fit in. He IS reality. It is up to us to decipher between that which is temporal and that which is eternal. We would do well to wisely use our time, talent and energy according to our deductions.

Right?

Don't fret if my words do not make sense this week. Logic can be so limiting.

It is not always my intention, when I write or speak, to be or appear what we so often perceive as logical. Not at all. It is always my intent, however, to encourage others to think for themselves, and to let faith lead as they pursue truth and reality with all their faculties, with all their being.

For you see, there is an Old Testament passage recorded by the prophet Jeremiah, in which God addresses those who have turned from Him to seek after their own ways and discover their own realities. To them — and perhaps to us today — He says, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.”

God does not exist for me to try to reveal Him. He does not require any inclination or determination on my part or yours to prove His reality. Not at all.

He can meet any individual wherever that individual may be. He can reveal Himself in whatever manner He may choose. He only asks that hungry, searching hearts seek Him. For He IS and His reality can be ours. But don't take my word for it. Though His reality can be ours, my reality can never be yours, nor yours mine.

The search is personal and unique as are the revelations that come to all who search until they find.

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