Still in the dark

Well, I have been hoping for an epiphany but it hasn't arrived yet. Still mulling over new thoughts, points of view, and one really big paradigm shift. Not that I wasn't already shifting but catching it in the teeth has been a little traumatic.

I'm reading a book on Paul and trying to find a little insight there. The interesting thing at the moment is a discussion about Grace and Peace. This little phrase that Paul uses is exactly not that - a little phrase - but an explicit statement about what he interprets God to be doing in the world; giving grace to those that don't have any and imparting peace on a world that needs to receive it. This statement of salutation, is a statement of what Paul wants to have happen in the hearts of all who hear it.

Grace and peace - more complex than "hey" or "thanks" - communicates the depth of fellowship and connection that he feels for the churches he is writing to. When we say grace and peace to those we love, it isn't just a way to open or close a letter but a way to share the grace of the Spirit and the peace of Christ with those we love and cherish.

So, as we enter into the weekend, preparing for our regularly scheduled time of fellowship - grace and peace.

Grace and Peace.

Entering a new discussion

Being on time is not necessarily something I am good at. And so, it seems to follow that I am late in entering into the emergent church discussion as well.  Honestly, it's not for lack of trying or because I don't want to learn more things, but predominately because I had not been exposed to the full range of what is going. 

That changed recently as I attending my first Emergent discussion.  I do not think I will ever look at things in the same way again.  I am struggling to define what exactly is happening. In some ways I feel like Paul after the Damascus road encounter; I have seen something great - almost beyond comprehension - and right now I am sitting in darkness waiting for the light to return to my eyes.  

While I would want to say that is an exaggeration, I really can't answer that question right now. I have had thoughts in the last few days - about the direction of my life, and the way I am getting there - that I never, ever thought would cross my mind.  

I have been challenged on all sides and feel that some sort of reorientation is coming.  I have been restless in my current faith experience for some time now, and it appears that there is another way to approach the malaise that can fall upon a believer that, while serving actively and faithfully, has always done things the same way. 

The newness is not the deliverance, but opens the eyes to see something that has never been seen before. When they open, I will let you know.  But as for now, I will sit in the dark and wait until they are opened again.