One Size Does NOT Fit All

From time to time in a book store, they'll have that table of books sitting by the register for like 170% off. And usually the cover isn't that well designed, and there are at least 10 copies of each of them, so you figure these are just the ones that didn't sell too good, but you're compelled to stop by and look, just in case. Well, some of my greatest treasures have been found on said table, and today's selection is one of them. I'm only sorry this book has been sitting on my shelf for years now--intriging enough for me to spend my hard-earned money on, but not intriging enough, apparently, for me to read. Until this weekend. Shame on me.
Well, my dearest husband is gone (boo!), so I was purusing my collection, and remembered that this book's concept looked interesting, so I started reading. The book is called "Sacred Pathways" and it's written by Gary Thomas. The premise is, that like personalities and temperments, our path to God is also an individual one. While Mr. Thomas does not discount the value of corporate gatherings, such as church (in fact, he maintains that we all, with our different pathways, are strengthened even more when coming together), he does propose that most of us were taught that in spiritual matters, one size fits all. And that's just not so.
Now, this book does not let that all religions are equal paths to God. Mr. Thomas takes the doctrinal position of Christianity (Jesus being God, etc.) is the only way, but our worship styles can be quite different. A spiritual life can come in many different forms. Much like Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory, "Sacred Pathways" outlines nine roads, one or two of which, we will find that we have a tendancy to enjoy most.
They are:
Naturalists... loving God outdoors
Sensates... loving God with senses
Traditionalists... loving God with rituals
Ascetics... loving God in solitude
Activists... loving God through causes
Caregivers... loving God by loving others
Enthusiasts... loving God with celebration
Contemplatives... loving God through adoration
Intellectuals... loving God with your mind
While we all can gain from all of these, a practical example is this. I am, at times, envious of my sister who can go camping for a whole weekend, and come back refreshed and filled. An afternoon picnic in the park usually leaves me indifferent, at best, annoyed (ants, melty chicken salad, melty hair, dirt!), at worst. She can enjoy and rejuvenate through seeing God's creation in nature. But then again, people like my Dad can't possibly imagine what I get out of a liturgy we've recited over and over, year after year. We each express ourselves to God, and He expresses Himself to us in individual ways. If we were to get ahold of this, our souls might cease being mal-nourished, as we would be properly fed, spiritually.
Look to some of your favorite authors, friends, heros of history. See if you don't notice a pattern in your choices. Perhaps, if you look to C.S. Lewis and John Calvin, they found strength in long hours pouring over theological studies. Or maybe you admire Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr., who rallied for causes.
Pick this book up if you come across it on the sale table (just proof that you should never judge a book by its cover). Or better yet, search it out. I know that it will bring refreshment, no matter what your Sacred Pathway--especially if you diagnose as an "Intellectual."