To Thine Own Self Be True

It's odd, I know, but I'm writing twice in one day! I was reminded about something that is just too important for me to remember. I often bring my United Methodist faith into conversations. I'll bring donuts or other food to a gathering, and I'll say I do it because I'm a good Methodist. I do this for other nice things I do too. What I realized I have been doing is trying to find another way to say, "I do this because I'm a Christian."

Am I hiding my faith by not stating it out loud? I don't think so. What I am trying to do is disarm people by not making it about theology or religion but about faith. I'm more likely to be asked about my Methodist faith than being a Christian by random people. Oddly enough, it has happened here in Boston. I have a School of Theology (STH) sweatshirt, and people will ask me about it too. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, but I want to make it accessable and approachable to people. I believe that they will know I am a Christian by my love - even when I profess it through my United Methodist calling.

Real World: Boston?

What I have loved about coming to Boston is that I can not live in a bubble. Well, I could, but I'd actively try to live in a bubble. I have been exposed to thoughts, cultures, theologies that are so different than my own.

Last night we, community dinner at Marsh Chapel, met a woman from Uganda who had been abducted as a child. She was forced to work in a child soldier camp. As she told us her story about escaping from that horror and how important education I thought about how I complain about my life.

*sigh* There are real problems in this world. Is it really tragic that I have to wait another 10 minutes for a bus? How bad is it that I have to cook my own food instead of going out for pizza? Is it really that bad that I have to go to the library for a book because I can't buy it from Barnes and Noble? (Who can afford a book there?) There are people who worry about finding water so they don't die of dehydration. People right here worry about food. There's worry about the temperature dropping because hypothermia is a real threat.

I needed to hear her message. Life is so worth it, and it really doesn't suck.

Bach in the high life again

So, the major term paper is in. *big sigh of relief* It was 30 pages long. Only two more to go, and those are each about 10-15 pages each. After 30, this is a cakewalk. :)

Sometimes, seminary is a lonely place. As individuals we work so hard to prepare ourselves to help an unknown world of the future. We bury our noses in books and shackle our hands to computers to spit out words we hope will inspire another person to believe we are right.

Where is community in this? Sure, to know God is to love Him, and we are seeking a greater and deeper love every day. However, Sitting at a desk by myself for 8 hours a day does not provide me with love and a sense of community. I am thankful for the friends who come and sit at the table with me in a shared effort to do foundational work in understanding faith and origins. Sure, there are times where we do more laughing than work, but I have to remember that laughter is a gift too. It's not a distraction... unless it's 10pm and the paper's due by midnight. :)

ARGH!

One week to go until 2, possibly 3, papers are due! I thought I was supposed to be happy during Easter. Time to stock up on sugar and caffeine.

Is the world larger or smaller?

People tell me the world is getting smaller because we are more able to get information from any corner of the globe in a short amount of time. Generally, I agree with it in principle. There's a but coming... we have to actually acknowledge how large this world is before we can shrink it on to a computer screen. I have to first know there are people in this community I call the World who look different from me, speak a different language, practice a different religion, eat different foods, and a host of other things that are foreign from my daily life or culture. If I don't acknowledge it first, I have done these people a disservice. I have compared them to me as the apex of how to live instead of letting them be themselves in their way of living. While my philosophy/theology professor would tell me I need to use "or" instead of "and," I have to say the world is expanding and shrinking at the same time for me, and to do it any other way would just be wrong for me.

Baby you can ride my car.

Anyone who's been in Boston long enough knows about the T. T-surfing is an art. It's the ability to stand on a moving train without holding on to a railing. It also depends on the driver. Some seem to have the sole purpose of trying to propel you in to the person in front of you or through a window.

Also, people know you will see the craziest things. If you are able to make it home without seeing something... well... you had a rare ride. Sometimes you see a near fight break out. Sometimes there's the drunk guy, and you pray he doesn't decide to throw up on you. Sometimes you get someone who's actually willing to talk with you. This person, most likely, did not grow up in Boston. He or she probably spent a part of the growing up period in the Mid-West but may be from the South. I will also never understand why undergrads will stand in 4 inch heels and short skirts in the rain and complain about it. *sigh*

And they're all there for your viewing pleasure on the T. Welcome to Boston. :)

A Grand Day Out

Erik is out of the picture. He's a young 20-something who needs to get some things out of his system before he gets to be a real adult. I'm not going to help him on those endeavors.

I had a wonderful time with Ben. The food was great. The wine was fantastic. The conversation never stopped. He was even interested in what I had to say about the Hebrew Bible. He touched my hand and gave me a hug at the end of the evening. I just wish I felt the same way. It feels so shallow to say it, but there's just nothing there. He would make a fantastic friend, but I don't see a romantic relationship developing there.

I don't want to be that woman who goes out dating to see what she can get out of people - and maybe by making sure that's not my goal I have already accomplished it. I'm not out to get a nice meal and get men to spend money on me. *sigh* Time to keep on truckin'.