Using vocabulary...

A timorous yet assiduous peasant met a loquacious and ostentatious misanthrope. He began to impugn an aspersion on her saying that her vacuous lassitude and soporific diffidence left her impecunious. She replied back saying, “Your spurious claims demonstrate the immense disparity between ingenuous altruism and irascible bombast. Your austere yet obdurate demeanor rouse contempt.” Her callow and unpretentious nature, and her impassive reply was palpable. The misanthrope responded, “I retract my virulent yet prosaic comments, and deign to your warranted conundrum to obviate opulence. My knavery is languid.”

Beautifully Simple

As the last person left, and the door closed behind them, I was again amazed at how simple and beautiful church can be. Not because there was a lack of complexities, a prepared sermon, or special music, but because the evening is approached in a simple way. Most of us come to the evening with a sense of "I wonder what God is going to do tonight." And some of us come with a little bit of nervousness because we know God wants us to share something that He's taught us.

Last night, Shari led us through a simple Advent ritual: readings, prayers, Scripture and lighting the candles. It was profound. Dave said, "... growing up in an liturgically starved tradition, I really appreciate these moments..." I believe most of us were touched deeply as we were encouraged to anticipate the coming of Christ.

I've learned that church is not an event to be attended and evaluated, it's what happenes when "called ones" get together focusing on Christ. Simple and beautiful.

On Getting Older

Okay, so yesterday I turned the big 40. A milestone in our culture, and presumedly a milestone in my life as well. A few months ago I was seriously wondering if I would feel any different when the date rolled around. But it came and went, and I feel the same. Except that my medical insurance rose to the next bracket. Sure, I noticed that my wrinkles have become more defined, and my bones creak often, but I'm still pretty much the same. The milestones in my life can be better defined, not by age, but by other events. Some good, some bad, but defining nonetheless. I feel a little older and a little wiser, but in no way have I arrived. The journey is still going strong. And I'm enjoying the little things along the way. The smell of apple & cinnamon, and genuine laughter are some of those highlights today.

Thanks Jesus, for the small things, and for a deeper awareness of your kingdom's reality.