Friendship with God

"Church father Gregory of Nyssa (approximately AD 331-396) seemed to have understood that the willingness to pursue friendship with God yields more benefit than pretending to have already attained it" (Eric Sandras, "Buck Naked Faith").

"Since the goal of the virtuous way of life is the very thing we have been seeking, it is time for you, noble friend, to be known by God and to become his friend. This is true perfection: not to avoid a wicked life because like slaves we severely fear punishment, not to do good because we hope for rewards... On the contrary, disregarding all those things for which we hope and which have been reserved by promise, we regard falling from God's friendship as the only thing dreadful and we consider becoming God's friend the only thing worthy of honor and desire. This, as I have said, is the perfection of life."

Gregory of Nyssa, "The Life of Moses"

Tolerate

Tolerate: to endure without repugnance; to put up with.

Yesterday drew to a conclusion my fifth Discovery class of this school year. As is tradtion, the students and I spend a considerable part of the day expressing our public appreciation to one another and sharing our parting thoughts. We usually do an exercise I call "positive bombardment" during which we shower each student with words of appreciation from their peers and myself. Some classes choose to do the same for me, and it is always a rewarding experience.

When it was my turn in the spotlight, one student thanked me for always seeing the good in (them) and, with tearful expression, shared how much I and the class had made a difference in (their) life. Although (they) were not aware of it, (their) words convicted me to the core. Here's why:

I know my heart. Although I had treated this student with dignity and respect, my heart held other judgments. This student confused my well-disguised tolerance for something better, purer. I knew better. I suppose this is an example of both the ugliness and beauty of tolerance. It's beautiful when a person can treat another human being with decency and respect despite ill-drawn conclusions or personal opinion. It's ugly, on the other hand, when the face of tolerance masks darker thoughts and feelings.

I was happy to know that this student's experience with me and in my classroom was a positive one, but as a follower of Christ, I believe it is important for me to move beyond my pressumptions and judgments...and I hadn't bothered to do that in this circumstance.

It's a fact of life that sometimes we do have to tolerate people whose personalities, life styles, and choices conflict with our own...but we should always aim for something better! I think it cheapens people when we say "I don't like you, but I'll tolerate you."

I think tolerance is part of the journey along the way from intolerance to love. It's good to arrive at tolerance for a little while so long as we are continuing down the road to something better. Tolerance, in and of itself, is not the ideal destination.

Reflection

Reflection on Psalm 121 by Brian Moore.

Do you see the solitude
of the mountains
There they lie as if asleep
all silent and deep
Their loneliness is matched
by their strength
And so in silence
they keep watch
over the valley floor

We dwell below
their heights
and thus look up
to their strength
In silence and solitude
we join the mountains
in our souls
We share the loneliness
and long for their strength
But we shall not endure
here on the valley floor

The mountains have no life
stand strong and dark
for years
While we in God’s image made
know hardship pain
and tears
The mountains dark and lone
can only point
us home
Our help in creation’s God
is our sole hope
as on the valley floor
we trod

The mountains for all their strength
stand aloof
unmoved by what
moves our heart to tears
But in their speechlessness
we take consolation
that with silence and solitude
comes revelation
As we lift up our eyes
to the One on High
Who gives us hope
Maker of heaven and earth
Who gives birth
to love and life

Kiss

Family

Curtis Anthony Powell

We first met Curtis shortly after moving to Colorado in 2008. Curtis was being mentored by our friend Jonathon Stalls, so we'd see Curtis at special events and the occasional community gatherings. In November 2009, circumstances led Curtis to Jon's workplace and doorstep. Since Jon was planning to begin his walk across America on March 1, 2010, Curtis needed a place to stay. When he asked if he could stay with us, we gladly accepted. Curtis moved in in mid-December.

Since then, Curtis has enrolled in the high school where I teach and has excelled in his academic and personal achievement. He has adjusted well to his new family living environment and seems to be loving life. He is discovering what it means to be a son just as much as I am discovering what it means to be a dad. We are so proud of him and are happy to have him as a part of our family.

This past week, Curtis and I took a road trip to South Dakota for some camping and sight-seeing. While there, we learned that a judge in Denver had granted full guardianship rights to Brenda and I for the care of Curtis. Both he and ourselves are delighted! It's been a long process, but we are glad that day is finally here.

Most people who know us don't question the notion of why we bring people home, but once in a while, someone will say, "I don't know how you can do it!" to which I usually reply, "I don't know how you cannot." I see "family" as a right more than a privilege, only these days fewer and fewer are having the opportunity to enjoy that right. Every person deserves the opportunity to experience the love, security, and benefits the sense of family can bring. For ourselves, having Curtis as a part of our family has only added to the richness and fullness of our lives...he has taken nothing away.

Life is better with people in it, and ours is better for sharing this life we've been given with an incredible teenager named Curtis.

Black & White

He is Risen!

Rising

Good Friday

Beyond Ordinance

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" (Jesus, John 13:14).

My church tradition observes the ordinance of feet-washing according to Jesus' example and instructions in John 13. Twice annually, we'd gather in the sanctuary for some hymns and personal reflection before proceeding to the basement or church hall to be seated at the tables. Around the tables, we'd read the account of Jesus washing his disciples feet and remind ourselves again of his mandate that we do the same. The men would retire to one room while the sisters left for another to begin washing and drying one another's feet.

For many of my non-Brethren brothers and sisters in Christ, this tradition seems like one of the more peculiar practices of Brethren groups.

Feet-washing always preceeded the meal, which was usually some modest affair. In the church I grew up in, we'd eat our ham and butter sandwich in "reflective silence" while awkwardly hearing the sweet pickles crunch in our neighbor's mouth. Other churches shared a more traditional "sop" made of break soaked in beef broth while engaging in lively conversation as among family.

Following the meal, we'd take the bread and the cup in rememberance of Christ and usually conclude the evening together by singing "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds".

It's called the "Love Feast".

As awkward as such experiences would be for most, I have always appreciated the symbolism of washing one another's feet. I remember my first such communion experience shortly after my baptism as though it were just last week, and there was something special about being surrounded by my elders as they cared for me and I for them. The sharing of such experiences have been among the highlights of my times in Christian community.

I'm not sure which is more awkward for people: washing or being washed. For some, the idea of touching another person's feet is a put off -- an act they find repulsive and disgusting. Others, however, seem to really struggle with people having to wash their "immodest" parts, and they struggle with being served in such a way. Either way, the discomfort is good for us. Whether we wrestle with being served (as Peter did) or find the task difficult or repulsive to do, Jesus has his reasons in asking us to follow his example.

Whether washing one another's feet or serving someone in their mess (or being served in our mess), Jesus reminds us that we have been redeemed to serve and to come along side humanity as he came along side of us. The example Jesus set before us is one well worth following.

It goes beyond ordinance.