Church Unity

I have some "stolen" time this morning compliments of a school delay and my children sleeping in, so I'll try to get down the post I've been writing in my head.

You know how ministers sometimes have reputations for their speaking style? Where you hear their name and it invokes an adjective in your mind (i.e. interesting, boring, loud, story-teller, etc.)? Since I didn't grow up in the Beachy circles, most names don't invoke anything for me. As a result, I am often blind-sided.
This was the case on Sunday. I was not familiar with the speakers and was not looking forward to the meetings with any particular anticipation. Wow! Was I blown away! When the 2nd minister said "It's time to close" I looked at the clock in shock; I wasn't near finished listening to what they had to say.
Some thoughts I gleaned- on the subject of Unity- we often view our Anabaptist churches like a see-saw with liberals on one end and conservatives on the other. How true that I then see myself as being in the center rather than on either end! But we're not on a see-saw, trying to find the balance between Grace & Truth. Grace & Truth are a Rock beneath us that we can rest on. Ah, that feels so restful to me.
We heard about power struggles. (I have long wondered how the minority can sometimes exert such power.) When we learn who we are in Christ, we lose the need to prove something. Jesus' temptation was used as an example. He didn't have to prove anything to Satan- He didn't have to turn stones into bread to prove that He had power, because He was secure in who He was. He knew He was Christ, and didn't allow himself to get pressured into proving it. That's the security -the rest- I want. I don't have to prove I'm a good parent, that I'm a sincere member of the constituency (aka the proverbial good little Beachy). Hmm, I suppose that means when someone is pushing their agenda, they're not secure in who they are. Interesting.
Furthermore, we heard 'I' am not the embodiment of Truth. I don't have to model truth- "ok, world. I've figured it out. This is truth. Follow me." The best we can do is to draw near to the One who is Truth. Ironically, as I pursue truth, I bear the image of God, attracting others to Truth.
Being neutral or splitting is not the answer to developing structure & unity. We need to figure out What is strong? What is weak? Strength was defined as "how much can I give?" not "how much can I take?"

I'm still trying to process all this and figuring out what it looks like in daily life. The issues we are facing in our church seem to be something of an epidemic, particularly for our age group. We have been observing friends from various communities dealing with them, trying to learn from their experiences. On assignment from the elders, we are supposed to be getting our vision for the church into words. We don't have it down pat yet, but part of our vision for the church is one where each person can share his/her perspective and feel heard & understood. Also that church would be a safe place for our family.

Compassion

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I hope in Him!' ...Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:22-24,32,33

These promises were true a year ago when the "Miracle on the Hudson" occurred, and are just as true this week for the people in Haiti. It's hard to fathom the suffering from our comfortable, middle-class life, yet "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

New Year Reflections

When we think about 2009, it invokes mixed feelings for R & I. It's been a difficult year as parents. More questions than answers, frustrations, weariness, falling short, fears... We never wanted disorders to be part of our parenting package. But on the other hand, we are very blessed financially. R. had plenty of work all year long, and God has blessed us with a good heritage of money management skills. We also realized this year that not only do R & I both have the gift of Giving, but both of our dads have it, too. It's the only way of life we know. Wow! We finally figured out why some people just don't get what seems so easy to us!

When the New Year arrived, R & I were sleeping. The stay-up-half-the-night baton is passed on to the next generation; JR was out with the youth until 4:30 AM. I'm now the mom who can't sleep soundly until everyone is safely home; I was awake from 1-4:30 listening for tires crunching on the drive.

I've been thinking about plans & expectations. I don't know the origin of the quote "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans" but I know the author of "For My plans are not your plans". This morning I read the story of a couple traveling in treacherous winter weather. With relief, they exited the freeway near their home. The man said "Thanks, Lord. I think I can take it from here." Just then their car spun 180*. Can't you just picture God with raised eyebrows and a smile- "Are you sure about that?"
Why do we try to go it alone? Why take the responsibility/stress on my own shoulders? It's not like God isn't handling the situation fine without my help. Makes you feel kinda foolish when you look at it that way, doesn't it?

Last year a father & his young son agreed to spend 15 min. every day searching for treasure. Their efforts yielded over $1000. and, I'm sure, priceless bonding. How much treasure can I find this year by spending 15 min. every day searching God's Word? God promises if we search for wisdom like hidden treasure that we will find understanding. That brings me full circle to my first paragraph. Understanding is what we're longing for as parents. This isn't a formal resolution, but I do want to search for treasure daily. I don't know what is around the bend, but I know the One who is walking with me, and for that I am profoundly grateful.