I am often challenged and convicted by what I read in scripture as well as what I read elsewhere. Oswald Chambers makes me wonder, how do I become broken bread and poured-out wine in the hands of Jesus Christ for other people? We have schools and self-help books that teach us everything, but behind every facade and neon promise is the reality that we are only helping someone make their quota, reach their goal, serve their own purpose. We all have agendas that masquerade as something else. Do we really believe our own propaganda?
Lily and I came to the Pacific Northwest from East Texas in 1985. I remember pulling off Interstate 5 when Shasta suddenly filled the windshield. I got out of the car, stood and stared at the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, after my bride of course. I remember fighting back tears and wondering why I had too.
One early winter morning I left for work only to quickly return to our house to get Lily. She was still in pajamas, but I told her to get in the car and we drove around staring at the snow covered hills that surrounded Wenatchee, Washington. How do I explain that feeling, that wonder, that joy?
The first time we drove through the bridges of the Rose City I knew one day we would live here. Indeed this is a beautiful city. So often I thank God that this Florida boy lives in the Pacific Northwest he always dreamed of as a child. The beaches in Pensacola were so white, but the Oregon coast, when the wind is blowing and the sea is heaving is incredible.
What would your eyes, ears and nostrils say if they could talk about standing before Multnomah Falls? He said his voice is as many waters.
When I first started seminary I was unbelievably nervous. I would enter class rooms with sweaty hands and a beating heart. How long would it take my bright and usually younger classmates to realize I had no business being there? I felt shipwrecked in a most wonderful place, but shipwrecked none the less. I had never heard of the church fathers and theologians they discussed. I had no idea how their ancient and modern beliefs impacted the church, modern thought and eventually me.
We are misguided if we think anyone can prepare us for life. We are foolish if we think we only need the right book, agenda, method, process or person to get us where we want to go. We are completely lost if we get where we want to go and suddenly find ourselves alone. Becoming broken bread and poured out wine in the hands of Jesus comes only through intimacy.
Jesus says, "Come."
Comments