These last couple of days have been just a good time of resting, conversation, hanging out, and even a bit of consulting work.
I spent Saturday night listening to Russ and Sharon dialogue (in the true sense of dialoguing) deeply about the issue of women in ministry. Much of the theology was over my head, even though I have looked at the issue somewhat deeply (as far as I thought, anyways). However, I really appreciated the depth (Russ and Sharon approached the issue as scholars and as ministers) and the generous and understanding manner in which these details were discussed – as this can be a contentious (and heated) issue among some Christians.
Sunday night we joined in the house-church fellowship, talking about God’s hate for economic injustice, through the book of Micah. It’s great to see his kids and other kids from other families join in and relate to the teachings on their level.
I’m just soaking up the atmosphere of laying back a little more, connecting with old friends, and taking things slowly.
Sharon and I went out on Monday for an elephant ride – for a tourist experience. We ended up doing 2 rides, and getting caught in the rain while on the bamboo raft on the river.
In these last couple of days, the whole idea of “intentionality” has been repeated. It is a theme that I have started to incorporate more of in my life in the past couple of months. I think my desire to be more intentional in relationships and other aspects of my life have brought both healing and unexpected situations. September has been a month of drama – much more than I would have expected, but as the drama dies down and as things unfold, I know I’ve been made so much richer, stronger, and hopefully more Christ-like. I would not trade in any of those experiences, as painful, difficult, or heart-breaking they may be. I do hope that I have more capacity to be intentional in those areas of my life.
Of course Derek Zoolander never got the whole idea of what do after falling off the horse, but I’m so blessed to have a community to help me back on and to get going once again.
Where I’ll be in the next couple months God only knows. I know I’m excited about where I’ll go, but I am here resting, reading, receiving wisdom, and meditating.