Archive for
May, 2010
May 31st, 2010
Michael Schwartz and class in one of the Vatican's Raphael rooms
It is hard to believe a week has passed since leaving Augusta. Tomorrow starts our second week in Rome.
Our day began fast and furious with a wake-up call (annoying alarm clock) at 6 am. While I think I got the full eight hours of sleep Clark and Aaron said they were well into the early morning hours before they fell asleep. By the time our bodies adjust it will no doubt be time to head back home.
We
Strolling along the Tiber
caught our bus at 6:45 and were deposited right beside the Tiber River where we walked for about a half an hour until reaching our ultimate destination – the Vatican City. Since we had a few minutes extra before meeting up with the rest of the class, we enjoyed a brief breakfast of rolls and coffee. Aaron attempted to order milk and was presented with latte. He gave up, and I enjoyed an extra beverage.
The time to visit the Vatican Museum is early in the morning. The crowds were not nearly the size they were when we left around 2:30. There are no words or space to describe our six hours in the Museum. I confess that for both boys this may have been too much, but it was not nearly enough time to spend with all the artifacts, paintings, frescoes, sculptures and tapestries.
A very "puny" photo of a Raphael frescoe
There were a few surprises I would like to share with you. Their section for religious modern art was quite good. I saw paintings by Weber, Klee, Chagall, Bianchini and my favorite – Dali. There were probably many more that I missed but I honestly thought Aaron was going to self-implode so we moved on to the famous Sistine Chapel.
The Sistine Chapel was another welcome surprise. As much as I have read about it, studied its frescoes and heard stories I was prepared to be let down. Indeed, in spite of our comparatively early hour it was already crowded. Yet a good half hour in that sacred room is transformative. What a genius and what a moving place that room is. My neck is still sore from craning the whole time.
The highlight of the day came when we returned to the Raphael rooms at 2 pm. As a family we spent some time in there before lunch but at 2 we joined Michael Schwartz for a lecture with all the students. He did his PhD work based on one of the rooms and so his 45 or so minutes with us far exceeded in value what any tour guide could hope to give.
See why my neck is sore? Try that for six hours
Speaking of highlights and Michael Schwartz it was beautiful experience to see Raphael’s Transfiguration. Once again, I have seen more than my fair share of prints but to see it up close and personal was incomparable. Some of you may recall that Schwartz and I led in a discussion and conversation around this painting for senior adults several months ago. I wish I could have a “redo” now that I have spent some time with the actual painting.
What I am about to say may sound sacrilegious, but hear me out. I was not overwhelmed with St. Peter’s Basilica. Architecturally it is stupendous. Michelangelo’s Pieta was breathtaking and Bernini’s Canopy beneath the basilica is indescribable. For some reason, however, I struggled with connecting. The whole edifice seemed to be more a veneration of the papacy and I suppose my Protestantism began pushing back. This was now my second visit to the Basilica in the last three days, but I plan to make at least one more visit and give it a fair viewing. After all, something that massive cannot be summed up in just a few visits, right?
Everyday has been marked with new experiences and inspiring conversations. I do wish you could be here. Some of you have made this travel and others of you are hoping to do so. For all I simply wish to say that I remain grateful for this city that has preserved a part of our past as it continues to shape us for our future.
Amy and I got off a few stops early to shop for groceries while the boys went ahead to cool off their weary feet. We have found a wonderful little grocery store for our meats, olives, and breads (what else, I ask you, does one need in life?). I bought some salami that was so good I am surprised you cannot smell my breath from here. Now I have to figure out how I can smuggle this home.
Our favorite local grocery store
After a full day it is nice to have a little quiet time before the day comes to a close.
Peace be with you,
May 30th, 2010
Due to what I assume are the lingering affects of jet lag, I am having enormous trouble getting to sleep at night. We sleep with our windows open and although it is a fairly quiet neighborhood, we can still hear neighbors talking, babies crying, dogs barking, etc.. Then again, it may be all the espresso and cappuccino I am drinking everyday.
Street scene in Trastavere
Speaking of espresso, our apartment has one of those stovetop espresso pots and thanks to “wiki-answers” I figured out how to use it. We enjoyed several cups for breakfast this morning with our toast, eggs and fresh strawberries.
Today being Sunday I felt a bit out of sorts for a couple of reasons. First, I was not preaching. With the exception of summer vacation I am most always behind the pulpit either here at FBC or by invitation at another church. Secondly, we had no place to go to church this morning which I know sounds strange in a city like Rome. In our neighborhood, however, I have no idea where the nearest church is and I am certain that the closest church will be both Catholic and in Italian. This reinforced to me the importance of sharing community with a local church, which I always miss when I am away from FBC regardless of the circumstances.
Worship on Sunday came for me not in a traditional service but through visiting – or actually revisiting – some churches in the Trastevere area of Rome. I am positive that you, careful reader, have already noted that is where I visited yesterday, and of course you are correct. Amy and the boys, however, had not and so we decided to take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful area. It turned out to be a wonderful way to spend Sunday together as a family.
Our first stop once leaving the bus was back to San Francesco a Ripa – I wanted to show to Amy and the boys the inspiring Bernini sculpture, the “Ecstasy of Beata Ludovicia.” I noticed the sexton was waiting patiently for us to finish and, I suppose, lock up. I remembered that St. Francis of Assisi stayed in that very church on several visits to Rome in the early 13th century. In my best southern accented Italian I asked the him about this to which he brightened up and took us on a behind the scenes tour up the bell tower stairwell that led to the very cell of St. Francis! There he showed us his stone that was used for his pillow and the altar that he used for prayer and worship. In a mixture of Italian and English he talked about Francis’ respiratory problems which warranted a stone pillow to elevate his head. The room was essentially original with the exception of an embellished and heavily ornamented altar – which is ironic when once considers that Francis renounced his wealth in order to better identify with the poor. What a gift of time this patient sexton gave us and he seemed so grateful to explain all of this to us. When we left he politely closed the church door behind us and locked it until the next mass.
We visited St. Maria of Trastavere and its exquisite mosaics. Adorning the walls of its portico are fragments of marble engravings recovered from Christian catacombs in the first few centuries of Christianity. Upon entering the sanctuary we were treated to a recording of Gregorian chant being played for the benefit of the many visitors. Sitting in the cool, relatively dimly lit sanctuary listening to chant and viewing the brilliant gold and blue mosaics the presence of God of was softly felt. I guess I did go to worship today!
Piazza of Santa Maria
We spent a good portion of the afternoon just wandering in and out of the many alleys of Trastavere looking at shops and eyeing menus. We had just past a door that was propped open with a potted plant when I noticed mandolins, violins and guitars hanging from the rafters. The owner noticed my peeking and invited us in. He was from Iran but has lived in Rome for the past 35 years. He showed us instruments as old as 500 years and harps and lutes that he was crafting for the next generation. He had horns from the Renaissance period and drums that were contemporary (well, in the last 100 years). This portion of Rome is just full of wonderful surprises. I dropped him a coin or two and took a picture.
We walked to the top of one of Rome’s many hills which offered a wonderful view of the city. The lane (and for that matter most of Rome) was lined with huge sycamores – what is it about all those sycamores? When we returned our late breakfast had long since been walked off so we found a pizzeria recommended by Rick Steves – Dar Poeta. We enjoyed wood-fired pizzas topped with prosciutto, hot salami, and mushrooms. It turned out to be a great recommendation from a tour book.
We had a beautiful Sabbath together in the family. This has proven to be the ideal location to look, listen, and learn.
Tonight I am sitting at the tiny kitchen table with Amy as she is rummaging up something for the boys to eat. The evening light is fading and I am looking forward to a good night’s rest. As I am prone to say at the conclusion of Sunday evening worship services – it has been a good day all day.
Bless you,
Greg
May 29th, 2010
Back from Grocery Shopping
It has been another beautiful day in the Eternal City. The local forecasters called for rain and it has remained sunny all day – some things, like predicting the weather, are international.
Since today is Saturday there was not a scheduled class, but Michael Schwartz led a “field trip” for anyone interested to the Trastevere section of Rome. This meant that I needed to be up and waiting on the bus by 6:45 AM. It also meant that I was going to travel alone to meet up with Dr. Schwartz and the others. I left early because this was a completely new section to me, located just west of the Tiber River and south of Vatican City.
I reached the agreed meeting spot with time to spare so I took advantage of the extra minutes by indulging in what would amount to three cups of cappuccino. Needed some more euros to tide us over for the weekend, I asked the barista owner for the nearest “bancomatic” or ATM. He was kind enough to walk me down the block and show me how to enter the bank in order to use the machine (I would have never figured this out because you have to slide your card along a reader outside the door, whereupon it opens automatically and leaves you securely inside to do your business).
Three students and one other professor joined Schwartz for the full day before us. Trastevere, according to guidebooks, is considered by its inhabitants as the most authentically Roman. I am not qualified to make a judgment call on that, but it was filled with picturesque narrow streets, may of which would open up into pleasant piazzas, including our first stop, the Piazza of Santa Maria in Trastevere (not to be confused with the Santa Maria della Scala, which I am sure was just a rogue breakaway church!!!).
According to local lore, the church was founded in the third century when Christianity was just another minority cult. The building as it stands today is mostly 12th century, with stunning, shimmering mosaics. One’s eyes are immediately drawn upward and in effect one’s thoughts are brought inward. As with every church we have visited worship is often a visual experience.
Next we walked a short distance of perhaps 50 or so yards and visited Santa Cecilia, patron saint of music as well as a martyr in AD 230. After the passage of many centuries her body was discovered in the Catacombs near our apartment and so in the 9th century this church was rebuilt where she is now buried. An altar canopy by Cambio as well as a sculpture by Maderno draw the visitor into the drama of meditation and reflection. The apse is a fine 9th century mosaic depicting the saints as well as the patron of the church with his distinguishing square halo. Many times throughout the day, including this very church, I wanted to break out in song but thought better of it!
Our next ch
urch was probably one of my favorites – San Francesco a Ripa. It is said that St. Francis of Assisi lived here in 1219. Along the nave is a breathtaking Bernini sculpture, the “Ecstasy of Beata Ludovicia Albertoni.” At this point words will only sound predictable, trite or cliché, so I am just going to say “wow.” For a better worded reflection, discuss this with Schwartz and he was dazzle your mind and heart as he discusses the Bernini’s use of marble, space, and place to created a transcendent opportunity.
We then made an upward climb to San Pietro Montorio, designed by Bermanit, the first architect of the famous St. Peter’s. This church was founded on the hill where it is presumed that Peter was crucified upside down. Schwartz guided us through its architectural features and their use in later church architecture. It reminds me that our church’s impressive rotunda was by no stretch original, and its own function serves many deeper purposes than just simply beautiful space.
As we exited we were treated with a bride and groom, newly united, leaving the chapel. Their proud families surrounded them with applause and, I assume, handfuls of risotto toasting their day. I wanted 
to follow them to the reception in hopes of finding a stack of chicken fingers, but the rest of the group prevailed otherwise. Instead we entered the chapel and looked upon the painting by Sebastiano, “Flagellation.” Just above it was a transfiguration painting. The eye moving from the altar to the paintings had the effect of mediating upon the suffering body and the transfigured body.
A Puppet Show! (I told you I wanted culture)
A rather empty bus ride - unusual
We continued to meander and hike upwards on the way to St. Peter’s Basilica. Since we will be visiting the Vatican Museum Monday I will save my thoughts until then.
When I got off my bus it was around 4 pm and I was glad to see my family again. One of the things I have enjoyed about this Sabbatical is that I have been able to be around my children and wife much more than usual, even if I am dragging them all over this city! We walked a few blocks to a nice little family owned restaurant and enjoyed a few dishes. Actually, Aaron discovered he does not like gorgonzola cheese, especially on his pizza! It is a good thing his brother and father will eat anything!
Those clam shells came with Clark's pizza
We capped the evening off – surprise – gelato. Amy and I passed on the gelato although we walk enough each day to more than compensate for all the extra calories!
I will think of you all as you worship. Zihna will do an outstanding job. Her presence has been a gift these nearly two years and she will be missed. Her sermon will be yet one more gift for First Baptist Church.
Peace be with you,
May 28th, 2010
Don't drink the water!
The day began like all other days since arriving in Rome; gentle sunshine and mild temperatures. In fact, I do not think it has gone above the mid-70s in temperature. Since everyone else in our flat was asleep I decided to stretch my legs out a bit and of for a walk, which is kind of odd since that is all we have been doing this past week. I also was in search of a good cup of coffee. The apartment does not come with a coffee maker since the locals either make their own espresso or go out and buy a cup. At the last minute I bought about a dozen Starbucks instant coffee packets which Amy and I are trying to ration out.
After about a block I stopped at a small coffee shop and had a cappuccino along with a croissant fresh out of the oven – all for about $2.50! I sat at a table and attempted to read the sports section of an Italian newspaper. About all I can report is that two soccer teams played but I have no idea who won.
Speaking of soccer, we evidently have some neighbors that love soccer because they were up until midnight watching a game. They were loud and raucous and obviously having a good time. It was well after midnight before I drifted off to sleep.
Once everyone was up and email checked we darted for the bus. By now a gentle rain had started and we realized that while we packed rain gear, we brought none of it with us for the day’s events. Fortunately the rain never amounted to much, other than cooling things down a bit. Once we were in the city center we darted across four lanes of traffic which it seemed twenty lanes of cars were trying to squeeze through. We have discovered that traffic crossings and lights are merely suggestive. When in Rome, one plunges into the endless stream of cars, buses and scooters and hopes that a few of them will slow down enough to let you pass. This is not for the timid of heart.
We found a Pannini stand (which is certainly not hard to do in Rome) and bought prosciutto, ham and tuna sandwiches. On a curb outside of the Capitoline Museums in the drizzle we ate our warm sandwiches while waiting on the ASU class.
The Capitoline Museums are not exactly the center of sacred art inspiration, but they are museums not to be missed. The buildings are filled with sculptures from the Classical period. The pieces range from small to colossal. We were only there which was not nearly enough, but perhaps we can return before our time is up.
Two tickets to the gun show
From the rear of the Capitoline is a marvelous view of the Forum, the center of the political, commercial and sacred life of ancient Rome. Columns still stand from the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Vespasian. A section of cornice and its supporting columns remain from the Temple of Castor and Pollux. If it is clear tonight look to the sky and fine the constellation named Gemini. Its two “heads” are named after these Roman deities.
While Aaron may not want to admit it, he is becoming an “antiquity” snob, sniffing at anything less than 1000 years old! Seriously, it has been interesting to see what captures the boys interest and what bores them into listlessness.
We meandered through the city, bought some gelato and caught our bus to our apartment. Since we arrived back early than ever this week (about 6:30) we took advantage of the time and picked up a few things from one of the grocery stores that specialized in meats and pasta and fixed our own Italian dinner of asparagus and fussily and some strange but tasty sausage.
Head to head in the hall of Philosophers
Tomorrow we (or maybe just me) will get a rather early start to tour some churches hidden away in Rome but adorned with great frescoes, paintings and sculptures. We plan to visit St. Peter’s square as well, since we will be using most of our time Monday in the Vatican Museum.
Bless you all and thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Greg
May 27th, 2010
Coffee Time!
I have an apartment full of sleepy-heads – but then again they may think Dad is an insomniac. I, however, slept well and there was ready to go pretty early. Amy and I let the boys sleep a bit while we walked a few blocks to grocery shop. I am not sure how clear I have been in describing where we live, but let me add one other detail: no one speaks a morsel of English. In fact my Italian (which is nothing more than a Rick Steve’s cheat sheet) is better than local’s English. I have discovered that Clark has quite a knack with languages and has done a much better job than dad in helping us communicate. Yesterday he was very embarrassed by me when I said to a waiter: “grazie ya’ll.”
Anyway, back to the grocery store: we bought some meat that looked like bacon but we found out tasted like prosciutto; some eggs; ciabatta bread; and some very tasty strawberries. No great surprise, but few things were recognizable including milk, juices, or even basic cuts of meat. Every meal is a surprise!
After a late breakfast or early lunch, we walked to our bus stop and soon boarded. It is fun mixing with locals, especially when they are patient in showing us the basics, like how to properly insert your bus card and when your stop is approaching. It makes me feel good that we can provide the good citizens of Rome with so much entertainment and so many stories that they can share with their families at night.
Our first tour/lecture did not begin until 2 pm which began with Michael Schwartz leading a group jog through Rome in order to reach the Coliseum by the deadline to pick up reserved tickets. We made it, but a few in the group blew out flip-flops.
For those of you that have traveled to Rome, please bear with me with the overused adjectives to describe its many marvelous sites. The Coliseum is not only a massive site, but an interesting study of the sociological dynamics of the Roman Empire. It is also a rather grim symbol of how far humanity will sink for the sake of entertainment. One would hope that there are no modern parallels, but I wonder…
The Arch of Constantine stands just outside of the Coliseum as does the Arch of Titus – both memorializing Roman conquests in its expansion of power and submission. Rome was such a powerful and well ordered empire but eventually disintegrated over time. There were many contributing causes, but history reminds us and our faith teaches us that nothing on earth remains eternal.
Teaching (well I am learning) at the Arch of Constantine
We then walked a mile or to San Clemente Church (it actually is much closer to the Coliseum, but we took a few wrong turns). Inside this simple church were stunning (another overused adjective) frescoes and architectural features. In the apse was a fresco that was classic medieval depicting the twelve apostles. In one of the chapels, however, we an early renaissance piece showing a beautiful (there goes another overused adjective) fresco depicting the annunciation on one wall followed by the crucifixion just above the altar. The arrangement was stunning when you consider its metaphysical intent upon the congregant.
The afternoon was late and so we trekked back through Rome looking for a place to eat. We tried so hard to avoid tourist traps and over-priced “ristorante.” Down an alley we found a great little place where the menu items were reasonably priced. The waiter encouraged me to try their lasagna, their specialty, and I was glad I did. Clark had bruschetta with anchovies and Amy and Aaron had pizza. All was well until I discovered I had not checked all of the prices. Three of us, including yours truly, ordered “Fanta Orange” which is not like the orange soft drink we have in the US. This is made with real fruit juice and has much less sugar. Imagine a diluted orange juice that fizzes. To my chagrin our three soft drinks cost 15 euros – about 20 dollars! Yes, I know someone will write me and remind me that wine would have been cheaper.
A weary bus ride home
It is now almost 9 pm, the evening is pleasant and cool, and I am about ready to sleep off my Fanta Orange. Good night, and peace be with each of you,
Greg
May 26th, 2010
Apartment balconies outside our window
What a day! Well I should actually begin by saying our night was a restful one with a solid 8 hours from most of us. Aaron slept, as near as I could calculate, about 20.
I was up around 7 AM and took a walk around our neighborhood to snoop and site see. It is definately a working class place with not much in the way of culture, but it was fun to people watch. Anyone that has traveled with me knows that my method includes getting lost and making new and interesting discoveries. Well, I did not happen upon anything covert or particularly noteworthy, but I did find a morning market selling fresh produce. I saw some of the biggest asparagus ever.
Yes I know it is crooked - they are infront of the Trevi Fountain
Following a light breakfast of toast and apricot jelly we boarded the local bus and took a twenty minute ride to the city center. All I can say about seeing Rome for the first time is – wow. (yes, I know that is not a very academic word coming from a guy that is suppose to be on a study leave, but…well, wow!)
lunchtime!
In the Pantheon
We wandered around Rome for the next six hours just trying to understand how the streets are laid out and its patterns – there are no patterns in Rome. We enjoyed a great lunch of pasta dishes and pizza followed by the great European dessert – gellato!
At 4 we joined Dr. Michael Scwartz, another faculty from Augusta State University and nine college students and toured several churches, including the great Pantheon. I have read and studied Carvaggio, Raphael, Bernnini and other great Italian artists, but to see their works in person is an indescribable experience. After spending time in the Pantheon, for example, it was very clear that the talented architects who designed our sanctuary were very indebted to this inspiring structure.
Aaron is convinced that this is a Ferrari, but it is just a Fiat that changed labels - I told you this was about culture!
Michael Schwartz is in his element making Rome his classroom. What is interesting is that he takes us into churches that no one would think to look and around the corner we are staring at a beautiful work above the altar (or on the ceiling, or some nook or cranny).Clark has participated heartily in the discussions and Aaron has been indulgent. When boredom gets the better of him he finds a seat in one of the pews and prays (or maybe he is sleeping, but either way it works for him).
Dr. Scwartz lecturing in the Pantheon
Another good meal at the end of the day
We have done much walking today and this is only our first full day in the city. Hopefully we will work off some of this gellato. We got back to our apartment at ten and in a few minutes I am going to call this day over.
I am grateful and inspired to be in the city that I have studied and longed to see. Each day is an inspiration and each day reminds me the blessing of being part of First Baptist Church.
See, they do let me pose for pictures
Peace be with you,
Greg
May 25th, 2010
The flight was happily uneventful and we arrived safe and sound in Rome this morning around 8:15. The good news is that we have the whole day before us. The challenge, of course, is staying awake so that we can have a better chance at a good night’s rest. Let me tell you, it is not easy.
We took a harrowing cab ride from the airport to our apartment. Winding through the streets of Rome in a minivan was far more dangerous than our entire flight. Our apartment is a 15 minute bus ride from the city center. It is located in a residential neighborhood congested with similar apartment buildings. While not picturesque, it is more than adequate and we are only needing it for sleeping.
At an effort to keep the eyelids open we walked a few blocks and found a nice place to eat a few servings of pasta followed by a shot of espresso (this was Clark’s first espresso. Amy passed and Aaron elected to stay in the apartment and engage in his favorite hobby – sleeping.)
Tomorrow will be a full day, so I hope to have a bit more content as well as some pictures.
I am gratefull to my First Baptist Family in allowing me this time away to take part in this study leave. I am most blessed among pastors.
Peace,
Greg
May 18th, 2010
As of this writing I have two teenagers that are eagerly counting down the days until the last day of school. Now that I think about it, I suppose there are teachers, administrators, and parents doing the same thing. Even though the approaching last day of school does not make much of a difference in what I do, I find myself anticipating with a bit of excitement that mark of completion of another year in the life of my children. They have gotten a bit taller, learned a few more things (most of which is constructive) and are one year closer to moving out of our home and beginning their own journey.
The end of school also marks beginnings for many of us. Do you remember as a child day-dreaming about all that you wanted to do that summer? Sleeping late, riding bikes, swims at the lake, and vacation tantalized the thoughts of many a child in the waning days of the school year.
What are your plans this summer; more of the same or new adventures? I am looking forward to my sabbatical leave, which I will write more about next week. Clark will go from part time work to full time, which may or may not be something he is looking to doing. Aaron will be in conditioning training for football, so most of his days will be full. With the long days I plan to read a few more books and pick tomatoes and peppers in the evenings. I suppose by the end of July Amy will be counting down the days until school starts back again! (just teasing) Some of you this summer will be bored and others of you will not have a peaceful moment until school starts back – which, in case you were wondering, is August 9 in Columbia County.
How will you stay centered this summer? With all that is going on this summer including changes in routines and schedules, which the church is also a part of, how will you stay centered? Traditionally Jews pray three times a day; Muslims seven; and Cistercian monks chant the psalms seven times a day. In their own way, each are trying to remain centered and focused while the landscape is constantly changing.
Now is a great time to begin thinking how you can remain centered so that what is good and noble is kept in priority. Let me suggest a few things, and yes, some of this will sound self-serving but I assure you I am being sincere:
- Set aside time each day to be quiet; to be still and live in the presence of God. Prayer is not just about telling God what you need, but about listening and being comfortable in the silent spaces of the Creator.
- Keep a regular time for worship. Sunday worship should never be optional during the summer. We need one another, especially when there are so many other distractions.
- Read at least one good book that will stretch your thinking and read at least one entertaining book that will leave you smiling.
- Find time to play. Why do we think we can grow too old to play? This summer the church will be offering many opportunities for “playing” together through our fellowships.
- Enjoy your work and the labors of what you do – whether maintaining office hours or keeping house. In Ecclesiastes we are reminded: Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. (Ecclesiastes 5:18)
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we begin the summer together!
Peace,
May 12th, 2010
…Plenty, if the first name is Erik. I admit that for most of us Erik Weihenmayer is not exactly a household name like Elvis Presley or Lewis Grizzard. Erik’s face was on the cover of newspapers and magazines about ten years ago. He became the first man ever to summit Mt. Everest – blind. Even for the best of climbers there is a one in six chance of death when attempting to summit the highest peak in the world. What are the odds when blind? I love to read stories of epic adventures. This morning I finished a book by the title In the Wake of the Jomon: Stone Age Mariners and a Voyage across the Pacific. The author, Jon Turk, retraces this ancient voyage of 3000 miles in a kayak! (I thought circling little and big Tybee Island was tough) Several years ago I read a book about Chris McCandless. The book, Into the Wild, is based on the true-life story of Chris, who, upon graduating Emory, hitchhiked all the way into the bush country of Alaska. Four months later moose hunters discovered his body.
Some who set their faces towards adventure meet triumphal outcomes and others meet tragedy. When I reflect over my life, about the most adventuresome thing I ever did was con one of my “city friends” from town into thinking you could actually tip over a sleeping cow (contrary to the urban myth, there is no such thing as cow-tipping). Boy was that cow mad – and fast too!
While I have no plans to hike into the backcountry of Alaska or summit Everest, life should be faced with a sense of adventure. It is God’s world after all, entrusted to us out of God’s good pleasure. How do you approach life? With a sense of mediocrity or joy? Life is filled with opportunities and possibilities. The reality is we have all been given the same 84,600 seconds per day to spend. And one day God will call us up for an accounting. How will we have done with the most important investment of all – our life?
Paul the apostle writes: “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2). It reminds us that we are to be about “seizing the day.” This is not a matter of pursuing the next grand event. It is not simply about living life in a magnanimous and noble way. For most of us, I suspect seizing the day is more about blooming where we are planted and doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
A favorite and familiar quote by the late Mother Teresa sums all of this up more succinctly: “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” That is our mission and adventure as the people of God who gather as a church.
An adventure awaits!
Grace and peace,
May 4th, 2010
I wish. MoonPies are tasty and good for you…well, they are tasty. I would proudly tout their product. Alas, the makers of the MoonPie have not come calling and besides this space is not for sale.
A few years ago in a New York Times article the focus was on the number of ads we see each day – about 5000. We are well accustomed to seeing advertisements on billboards and television commercials, but nowadays it seems every available space is for sale. Not so long ago I actually saw an advertisement for a church (not in this city) on – are you sure you are ready for this? – a urinal deodorizer! Sure, I noticed the ad and the name of the church but now I definitely don’t want to go there.
Imagine what this could look like for the church. On Sundays when I step behind the pulpit I could begin the message by saying, “This sermon is brought to you today by Starbucks Coffee…” and then I could take a sip from my mug for the purpose of product placement. For certain endorsements I could preach on specific sermon topics. How about having brand placements on the baptistery from a pool cleaning company or sing hymns set to commercial jingles. Can you just imagine a big neon slogan perched on top of the steeple? Now that I think about it, I don’t want to imagine any of this!
Advertisers are latching on to the concept of lifestyle marketing. The basic idea being that they are more likely to convince a buyer to purchase their product if they can connect it with a certain lifestyle. You can see examples of this on Facebook with ads tailored to the individual user. To borrow from the same article mentioned earlier, apparently we should add to the endangered list blank spaces.
Maybe the church really is the last great hope because of all places this “space” cannot be for sale. Here I am not simply talking about billboards or, gag, urinal deodorizers. I am speaking more basically of what we mean by values, who we are beneath our name brands; who we stand with and what we stand for – none of which are for sale. It is all free, but not at all cheap.
The space of the church includes walls, but not just walls. The space of the church is about people coming together to celebrate; to grieve; to share; and to witness. The space of the church is where we go to find orientation and direction among the cacophony of other voices distracting us with their sales pitches of more and better.
What space in your life is for sale and what, no matter what, is not?