Journey Alone or In Connection?

 

In my Tuesday night core group last night we "mused" about Donald Miller's thoughts about his journey with God.  In Blue Like Jazz (p. 175), Miller writes "Before I lived in community, I thought Faith, mine being Christian faith, was something a person did alone, like monks in caves.  I thought the backbone of faith was time alone with God, time reading ancient texts and meditating on poetry or the precepts of natural law..." And he continues, "If other people were a part of the Christian journey, they had small roles...Faith was something you did alone."

Yes, we all know many that "do" their spiritual life alone and, of course, we are all at different intersections in our journey.  But, after my study of Scriptures, I believe that the Holy One wants us to live life in community----that is---all of entire life including our spiritual walk.  Dare I say, He created us for that!

Miller walks us through he discover of this biblical truth in BLJ in his classic, non-religious speak.  As he puts it, "The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: Life is a story about me." 

As was Miller's case, one's spiritual life is a journey.  BLJ begins with his statement that "I am was early in my story, but I believe I will stretch out into eternity, and in heaven I will reflect upon these early days, these days when it seems God was down a dirt road, walking toward me...now He is close enough I can hear His singing.  Soon I will see the lines in his face."

This is our Hope, is it not, dear friends.  Journey alone or in connection?  For me, I choose community.  How about you?  Where are you in your spiritual journey; how far are you down the path?  Is God down a dirt road walking toward you or is He now close enough you can hear His singing?

Blue Like Jazz --- oh yes, dear friends, God is "resolving" for those in connection.  "Is your soul beginning to sing." I hope so; I join Miller in wishing you to sing something true and beautiful (p. 240)

For our Loft Core Group, we are beginning this new road in "connection" together.  Let's just trust God, shall we?

In Hope--Grace,

Bob