The Transformational Journey

Some people are weary of "journey" talk, some prefer adventure talk. Others like pilgrimage. The point is we are in process. Believers know they will reign will in heaven with Jesus one day - I trust we're growing, I wouldn't have wanted to manage that assignment a few years ago, and even know it sounds daunting.

My point - as kingdom people now, we are active, and interactive, with the spirit and with the world - not just waiting to get to heaven. Here are three tenets of my journey which David Benner has shared in his book "Sacred Companions" and to which I wholeheartedly aspire:

1. becoming a great lover (of God, neigbour as self)
2. becoming whole and holy (mind, body, heart, infirmities - real, with God's spirit)
3. becoming our true self in Christ

Knowing God, knowing myself lead to knowing and living my mission. On the road again...

Namaste

Shane Claibourne in "The Irresistible Revolution" (a great read) eloquently addresses kingdom living, incarnation, community.

He learned a lot from the lepers of Calcutta - who normally did not have use for the phrase "thank you", because no-one every gave to them, or acknowledged them.

Mother Teresa started changing that and Claibourne's benefits from another word, "namaste" which translated means "I honour the holy one who lives in you". A word he heard from lepers he came alongside in minstry with Mother Teresa.

Over coffee with a friend last week, he shared of visiting in homes, and people volunteering, "Jesus is here".

Grace is so often mediated through people. We need to be attentive to our soul, eyes open to those around us, seeing Jesus. Sight sometimes is dimmed by advertising, propoganda, agendas, so we need to be intentional.

I was at a funeral Friday, that gave god glory, encouragement to those present, and myself continued motivation to hear "namaste" as I live for Jesus on earth, and as I anticipate "namaste" at the end of my days.

How are you gettin' on? Made in God's image....

I have yet to sort out the memories and impressions of my trip to Europe. I do know that while a sense of history, and culture gripped me, by far it was the people who had the biggest impact.

People, who desire connection (a chance to cheer on the team, participate in celebration), people who have experienced hardship, and must choose how to react and ways of coping.

People who are made in God's image. One such friend I met was Berndt who worked on the local paper of the SA Social Work institution in Nuremberg.

Extraordinary not because of his unkempt beard, and hair, or mild body odour, but that he has no feet (still manages to ride a bicycle) and two digits for hands.

I had a good chat with Berndt my last day in Nuremberg as we talked German culture, politics, life. Berndt is a child of God, and while I would not want to put him on a pedestal, I do find it encouraging that he has a zest for life, and is enjoying life.

How are you gettin' on?

Our Father (our means beyond, big pic, think global, act local, beyond....)

Your kingdom come God:

Love without courage and wisdom is sentimentality, as with the ordinary church member.

Courage without love and wisdom is foolhardiness, as with the ordinary soldier.

Wisdom without love and courage is cowardice, as with the ordinary intellectual.

But the one who has love, courage, and wisdom moves the world.

(Ammon Hennacy)