Crystal Clear

In the Reformed Christian tradition, there is a lot talk about spreading the gospel through Word and Deed ministry. I’m reading a book that calls attention to ‘Signs’ as a necessary third part. In animist cultures, signs and wonders have to do with power: which God is more powerful?

In North America, and our rational, dualistic worldview, we have no place for signs and wonders. Charismatic churches, who experience and are not afraid of signs and wonders are the fastest growing churches. Not a coincidence.

This is something our Majority World church brothers and sisters can teach us. I’m ready to listen and learn!

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So now that I’m living in close quarters with two other people (lovely people), adjustments need to be made.

I have to be careful of my expectations. They’ve needed to be adjusted many times and sometimes I’ve had a hard time with it, but not necessarily knowing that’s why I’m upset. I’ve hoped (expected) to move to our permanent room earlier than later, and that hasn’t happened yet. So, I have to tell myself it’s okay, and to change my expectation.

The more problematic expectations are those we have for others, without telling that person, or conversely, the expectations people think another person have for them. It is vitally important to communicate and dialogue about these expectations.

At the same time, if something is not said, it is important to not project what might be thought. It’s a hard rule to live by, but if someone hasn’t told me there is a problem, I need to carry on as if things are okay. Which means that if I have a problem with someone, I need to find a way to talk about it with them.

That’s hard, but so necessary for the common life to function the way it should.

Look out – bumps ahead! But the joy and growth possible! Visit commonlife.ca for more information and our framework document.

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