I spent a few days in Minneapolis with Mark and Nate hosting a couple workshops at the Summer Institute hosted by Solomon's Porch. It was fascinating to be plopped into another context and rub shoulder's with people who reflect back different aspects because of their background. In our discussion about the Jesus Dojo it was great to just describe the experiment as it exists now with all it's ups and downs. It seemed that being transparent with what we grapple with resonated with people and brought it to a tangible level which definitely appeals to me. Providing handles on the ladder in our attempt to love the Creator and Creation seems to be inspiring for people and provides something to play with.
Part of discussion centered around the notion of moving from beyond cognitive exercises and living into getting our hands dirty and having stories to tell. It's interesting that some of the greatest stories revolve action taken whether it was complete ridculousness or not. Jesus was one to get his hands dirty with the mess of life - perhaps an example we should follow.
Here's where it gets a bit fun - Nate and I flew back Sat. night because I had a Half Ironman triathlon Sunday. So after arriving at the airport at midnight I drove to SF to get my stuff and the drove down to morgan hill to spend the night at my parent's being it was close to the race start. Shut my eyes at 2:15am and opened them up at 4:15am to make breakfast and go check-in for the race. The race started at 7am and how I would up on 2 hours sleep I wasn't sure, but it was happening and I was going along for the ride. The cannon sounded and a few hundred of us starting the swim.
My body ached all of the race, and after I got off the bike and started the run I thought about the mystery of the Spirit and how it dwells deep within and can propel us. Here I was having slept 2 hours and I was performing wonderfully - having a great race - all I could attribute it to was "the force" dwelling within, a gift that allows the pushing of myself beyond what seems real. The manifestation or outlet for this is beautifully different for all us, but it does exist for all of us. May we seek to find it, to live in those areas where we're soaring on the wings of the physically unseen. Blessings to you as you journey to find it and wrestle with how to collaborate with it for the announcement of LOVE.
3 comments:
i really liked solomon's porch when i was out there in march. did you happen to meet two guys named phil and maybe a toddler named titus? my friends heather and phillip moved up there to be involved in that community.
i love the idea of people positioning their lives around the community in which they want to invest and be invested in.
2 hours of sleep and a triathlon... always something interesting going on in your life. thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Spirit and the implications inherent in your race.
cheers.
Hey man. Thanks for your time in MN. I'm Jamie. We shared the couch and talked briefly afterwards. You are right. Your transparency and desire to truly follow Christ beyond words were inspiring. I look forward to seeing how this plays out in the suburbs of Minneapolis fueled by the inward drive of the Spirit you described so well. Speaking of that drive, triathlon, etc., I have always dreamed of running in a marathon. I sense God pushing me towards that. How unbelievable would it be to spend all of those hours training with God. Who knows?
Jamie - it was a pleasure and encouraging to be in minneapolis......go for the marathon!! just watch out you could get hooked. ;-)
I look forward to stories about the work of the Spirit in your midst.
Post a Comment