So I have cleaned off and (mostly) cleaned out my refrigerator, in anticipation of a new one coming tomorrow. In the process, I found a lot of food that was in for far too long - it was no longer edible. Like the orange juice concentrate from 2012 that was shoved in the back of the freezer, that had kind of evaporated, if that's what frozen stuff does. Or the two (count'em two) bottles of Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce on the refrigerator door that were both 3/4 full...or the homemade applesauce that got freezer burned. All bought, opened, used, put away with full intention of using up completely.
And I started to think about how much of our faith we put on the shelf intending to use it "sometime." One day I'll forgive that person that hurt me. One day I'll donate some time to the food pantry/clothing closet in town. One day I'll tutor those kids who need some extra help in school. One day I'll sit down with that friend who just lost their job/spouse/child. One day I'll get back to church. One day I'll start going to Bible Study. One day I'll really read my Bible, and try to live by what it teaches me. One day...but that day doesn't come around. We stick our faith in the closet, occasionally taking it out for show but mostly forgetting about it.
We call ourselves "blessed" because we have the money for the big house or the new car or the big tv or the fancy vacation...and miss the true blessings all around us. We miss the opportunity to be a blessing to others. We are so caught up in the rat race that we don't even realize that the rats have won a long time ago. And we wonder why we're emotionally empty. We wonder why we're stressed. We wonder why our churches are empty...but because we forget that we are called to live differently, those who are on the outside see no change in us, and therefore see no reason to want what we so freely have.
We should not live out our faith for any other reason than out of gratitude for the gift of grace given to us by God. We certainly should not "do" things in order to "earn" our grace. But we forget that faith without works is dead. We who call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ forget that we were given a commission - to go into the world (the world of our job, of our school, of our family, of our neighborhood, not just "the world"), making disciples, and teaching them. But if we are not disciples ourselves, if we are not taught, then our faith is about as expired as that can of orange juice concentrate I just washed down the sink. And what's the use?
Friday, January 4, 2019
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Fear Not, part 2
Stepping out into the unknown - about to do it again, just not on a viaduct this time.
As I type this, there are a dozen other things I should be doing. In particular, I should be finishing the papers I need to have done by Sunday afternoon. Yes, papers. Or at least finish the other books I still need to read by then. Yes, also plural. But here I am, talking to you.
On Monday morning I begin an adventure. After almost 15 years out of the academic world, with the exception of some conferences and a couple of online classes, I am beginning studies for my Doctor of Ministry degree. And yes, I've already had my "I can't do this, I'm out of my element, who am I kidding" meltdown. And I feel better. Because, let's face it, we all melt down on occasion. Either internally or externally.
And I'm excited. What I have read so far, is good, solid theology. I have already used it in ministry, and will be able to continue to use it. It's the writing of academic papers that has me stymied, but even that will come. The first is done (as in re-read, edited, and tweaked), the others are being worked on as I go. And yeah, I know, I don't have much more time. But they'll get done. I have always been a "last-minute" person. I thrive on the thrill of the deadline, even as it makes me freak out.
I have the support of the church and the church council, which was the most important thing to me. Had they not been receptive of this, I would not have attempted it. I do wish that Hal were still here as I go through this. I miss the theological conversations that we had, even though at times his intensity was too much for me.
One of my church Elders, when I said I was excited and terrified, raised an eyebrow, and reminded me that the Bible says not to be afraid. And he's right. So I'm no longer terrified. As I step onto this proverbial viaduct, I am no longer afraid.
As I type this, there are a dozen other things I should be doing. In particular, I should be finishing the papers I need to have done by Sunday afternoon. Yes, papers. Or at least finish the other books I still need to read by then. Yes, also plural. But here I am, talking to you.
On Monday morning I begin an adventure. After almost 15 years out of the academic world, with the exception of some conferences and a couple of online classes, I am beginning studies for my Doctor of Ministry degree. And yes, I've already had my "I can't do this, I'm out of my element, who am I kidding" meltdown. And I feel better. Because, let's face it, we all melt down on occasion. Either internally or externally.
And I'm excited. What I have read so far, is good, solid theology. I have already used it in ministry, and will be able to continue to use it. It's the writing of academic papers that has me stymied, but even that will come. The first is done (as in re-read, edited, and tweaked), the others are being worked on as I go. And yeah, I know, I don't have much more time. But they'll get done. I have always been a "last-minute" person. I thrive on the thrill of the deadline, even as it makes me freak out.
I have the support of the church and the church council, which was the most important thing to me. Had they not been receptive of this, I would not have attempted it. I do wish that Hal were still here as I go through this. I miss the theological conversations that we had, even though at times his intensity was too much for me.
One of my church Elders, when I said I was excited and terrified, raised an eyebrow, and reminded me that the Bible says not to be afraid. And he's right. So I'm no longer terrified. As I step onto this proverbial viaduct, I am no longer afraid.
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