.... are strange times. As we come to the end of 2010, and look ahead to 2011, I wonder how you feel? Relieved – this past year has been difficult and demanding; perhaps 2011 will be easier and better? Anxious – who knows what the future holds? Exhausted - can’t wait for the “crazy season” to be over, and life to get back to normal?
Whenever we go through a transition, there is a space “in between”, a “liminal space”, which is a necessary part of the journey. For many young men around the country, the liminal space of preparation for the transition to manhood, spent in “the bush” is ending. For St John’s, as a community, in many ways this past year may have felt like a “time in between”.
As Christians, too, this time of year is a liminal space where the usual supportive activities of Bible study, fellowship and service are suspended; our usual routines at home are disrupted; our personal devotional life becomes difficult to sustain; and crowds and frustrations challenge our love and compassion at every turn!
But all of this is offered to us as a gift – so that, once again, we can meet with, worship, and then follow Jesus into this New Year: First with “baby steps”, as hesitant and uncertain disciples; next as over-confident teenagers; and then as adults, who will eventually be asked to lay down the life we have so painstakingly crafted, as we follow Jesus to the Cross … and then to Resurrection life in the Spirit.
When the pain and fear and frustration and exhaustion and confusion of this time threaten to overwhelm you, remember that we have to spend time in what feels like the mess of: a mother, pregnant before her wedding; a donkey ride to Bethlehem; rejection; and confusing and unexpected visitors, before anything begins to make sense!
We are “in between”, again. Try to see the grace that abounds, even if it seems to be quite obscure, right now.
Rod
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