March 30, 2008
Those who have eyes, let them see. Those who have ears, let them hear.
The Lenten fast is over – the Easter season is here! I need a perspective
on keeping the Easter joy alive by living in this world as Jesus intended.
An article from a newsletter entitled Psyche and Spirit did that for me –
sharing a good perspective about not being consumed by our modern culture
and becoming a more aware individual.
The article asked us to recall times when we got away from the usual
routine, – like traveling to a place very different from our values and
practices.
I quickly remembered the 2006 ministerial exchange in England – our family
gained a very different angle/perspective on life – more than simply driving
on the other side of the road.
How powerful I remember the experience of working two summers at Asbury
Hills UM Camp. We had no television or newspapers; cell phones and e-mails
didn’t yet exist. And we loved it! At summer’s end, there was such a sense
of serenity.
The article went on to challenge our perspective: When returning to our
usual culture, we see things with fresh eyes and question things in new
ways.
Do we really need such a large house? Do we really need a bigger TV?
Do we really need the latest style of cell phone?
Why are we living such frantic lives, as if these things really matter when,
when we step away, we know they are of no ultimate consequence?
The author, Arden Mahlberg, suggested we might become more conscious and
intentional with the radical values of God’s kingdom by having a weekly fast
from time to time from the dominant culture. No TV, no newspapers, movies
or shopping. No discussion of politics or business.
And perhaps our attention would be turned by the Holy Spirit to God, nature,
people, and creativity. And hopefully, with God's help, at the end of that
Sabbath break, we see ourselves, each other, and our work with fresh eyes
and fresh purpose.
