It's time to start a new year in Boston, and I am so ready to get at it. The petitions and forms are filled out for my new degree program and advisor among other things. My new room is all set up and organized. (I'm determined to keep it in order this year!) The fans (yes, plural) are in the window and the desk. My room really does get that warm. By 3 or 4pm my room feels about 95 degrees (35 Centigrade for my friends outside the US - I'm trying to learn).
What I realized was how much I missed worship at school. I couldn't put my finger on it right away though. I processed it with a professor (and personal mentor). I started thinking it was because the people in worship were mostly my own age. I thought maybe it was because we are mostly on pastoral tracks in our lives. Then I realized the answer came in the singing. It didn't sound like a dirge. The singing was alive - especially the songs that weren't in English. From the singing I realized that there were spirits ready to worship instead of bodies fulfilling a duty. That worship space was alive and so was I in that moment.
I have worked with people who made fun of those who sing praise songs. I agree that some are cheesy and have very little theology in them, but others are born out of a history of oppression and strife. They speak to an undying spirit that clings to faith like a child to a mother. I had never sung "The Summons" as a praise song, and I now think I prefer it that way. I love Bach, Luther, Wesley and the other great musicians who gave us worship music. I just don't think they meant for us to sing with less than joyful hearts.
Bring on the school year! This girl's ready for it!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
You never know when you'll need this
I recently got back from a trip to Germany for my brother's wedding. It was quite an international affair. There were friends and family from all over the globe - quite literally.
When I got home, I called my high school German teacher to say thanks. She would always say to us, "You'll never know when you need to know this." She was so right. We were in an area that had once belonged to the Soviets as East Germany. I think my sister-in-law's family was the only English speaking group in the village.
One night we, the under 40s, went out for dinner. They weren't used to seeing English speakers much less a table full of Americans. We provided them with an evening of entertainment.
Another day, I was making my way to Berlin via the train from Chemnitz. The lady who sold me the tickets spoke a little English to me with the unspoken understanding that I would speak German to her. However, I got off at the wrong station, and the man at the help point didn't speak English at all.
If it hadn't been for the wonderful teachings of my German teacher I would be hungry and lost in Germany right now. Then I start to think of all the teachers I've had. While I might not use Trigonometry on a monthly basis, there were skills learned along the way that I have been able to put into daily application. They taught me how to think things out, keep a clear head, speak properly and project my voice, view questions from many angles before making a decision, and so many more lessons. Where would I be if not for their teaching. I might not physically lost or hungry, but I might be psychologically and spiritually.
When I got home, I called my high school German teacher to say thanks. She would always say to us, "You'll never know when you need to know this." She was so right. We were in an area that had once belonged to the Soviets as East Germany. I think my sister-in-law's family was the only English speaking group in the village.
One night we, the under 40s, went out for dinner. They weren't used to seeing English speakers much less a table full of Americans. We provided them with an evening of entertainment.
Another day, I was making my way to Berlin via the train from Chemnitz. The lady who sold me the tickets spoke a little English to me with the unspoken understanding that I would speak German to her. However, I got off at the wrong station, and the man at the help point didn't speak English at all.
If it hadn't been for the wonderful teachings of my German teacher I would be hungry and lost in Germany right now. Then I start to think of all the teachers I've had. While I might not use Trigonometry on a monthly basis, there were skills learned along the way that I have been able to put into daily application. They taught me how to think things out, keep a clear head, speak properly and project my voice, view questions from many angles before making a decision, and so many more lessons. Where would I be if not for their teaching. I might not physically lost or hungry, but I might be psychologically and spiritually.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)