WORDS WON'T DO
Some events are tough describe. Words may help others understand, but it's the experience that really impacts. While there are things I would rather read about than personally experience, like the horrific fires that ravaged San Diego last week, most things I would rather experience.
I've tried explaining the wedding that I officiated on Saturday, but each time I try, I fumble around trying to say what I mean. Words don't do. It was great, I wish you could have experienced it with me.
It was Sunday morning that got me thinking about this idea that words won't do. As people began gathering for our worship event, a "new" person walked in. It became quickly evident that this man was a reporter (the notepad, camera and voice recorder gave it away)...yep, Citywalk was finally getting reviewed for the "Sheep and Goats" article in the San Diego Reader (this is a weekly article written trying to accurately represent your church, they are usually positive and fair.) I new this would occur sooner or later, and I wasn't looking forward to it...it seems odd to me to review our Sunday service when because we emphasize our home churches, and living as the church over going to church. But there he sat, front row, taking copious notes, snapping pictures and every once in awhile, pushing record. After the service, he approached me and identified his self. He took my mug shot and asked a few questions. Other than the closing question of "what do you believe happens to people when they die?" (and the answer of having a funeral was not what he was looking for), it was all really fine, and I'm sure his write up will be generous.
(heres the link to the article: sheep and goats)
but it did get me thinking. Church is not to be written about, but experienced...lived. No matter how well someone writes, I would much rather you experience Citywalk than read about it. Then that night, Jorge made a great observation. He mentioned how he believed that God most often uses people to draw other people to him. In other words, It is people who either help people to God or turn people from God. And I agree with Jorge. He then said a few words about the responsibility that he feels to live in a way that helps people to God. And I agree with Jorge. But that got me thinking.
Why don't I talk more about God, Jesus and the church? I do work hard to live in a way that helps people to God, but maybe I could do more. I hear people talking about things they like all the time. New movies, sports, TV, restaurants and a bunch of the junk that we buy...we are always talking of such things, and inviting others into those things.
I guess I want (and I want others to want) to engage others and invite others into my experiences. To my home church. To the worship event. To community projects. To the way of Jesus. And I really want them to come, to participate and experience what I (we) value. If Jorge is right, and I think he is, it will take this sort of effort, this intentional invitation, for others to check out the Walk.
Where ever you are (spiritually and geographically), I hope you will help me.
embracing life
Another perspective on life, worldviews, and God - and how they all fit together in everyday experience. Simple stuff.
No Comment
Post a Comment