Thinking

I mentioned in a previous post that I had finished some Bible courses at my church. Our church is very blessed to have professors from Regent who attend and sometimes help teach. One such (retired) professor was teaching two courses, one on Old Testament and one on Church History. If you know me, you wouldn't be surprised that I could not resist taking both courses. I have often thought about going to Regent or taking some theology courses, so I feel like these courses were handed to me on a silver (much cheaper) platter. What a gift.

To sum up what I learned would be impossible because there was just so much over the course of eight weeks. Besides, a lot of what I learned was much bigger than just facts. Ian talked about world views and the lenses we use and shifts in culture. Maybe I'll blog about those some day. But what I have been pondering this week is what he taught in the OT course regarding wisdom literature. He pointed out that Christianity is meant to be a thinking religion. It is not about blindly following a bunch of rules. That's what the Pharisees were all about and Jesus condemned them because they didn't love people and in fact added to their burdens. Yes, there are rules for right living, no question about that, but at the heart of it is (or should be) love for your fellow man. You need to go beyond the rules to ask yourself what is the most loving response in this situation. Ian pointed out that in Proverbs 26, for example, verse 4 says "don't answer the foolish arguments of fools", but the very next verse says "be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools". So which is it? Although different reasons are given for answering or not answering, the point is that you need to be discerning about what to do. There is no blanket rule for how to respond because situations vary. In fact, Jesus often answered questions with questions. 

In light of this, I've also been thinking about the rich young ruler story in Matthew 19. He claimed to have followed all the commandments. But Jesus said to him, "if you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor". I've always thought that he went away sad because he was so attached to his wealth, and I think that's part of it. But for him to think that he had kept all the commandments while hoarding his wealth and not helping the poor.....to claim that he has loved his neighbour....well that's all talk. It's like the priest and the Levite in the good samaritan story who would have proclaimed loving your neighbour with their doctrines and lips, but with their actions, not only walked past but made a point of going past on the other side.

So, back to thinking and discernment. Every situation requires thinking about what is the most loving thing to do. And then doing it. That is true Christianity.

May

It has been a crazy month and it's not even over. I already wrote about my choir concerts. It was also Mother's day in there as well as my best friend's birthday. My coworker and I hosted two baby showers at work, which turned out great! I also finished two Bible courses at my church and I am resuming a women's Bible study with some friends. But the highlight for sure was having Matias, Sarah and Marina, my granddaughter, stay with us over May long weekend. They flew into town for a family celebration that I hosted for Joonas and my nephew Noah, who are both graduating this year. I ordered the food and the cake so that I was able to enjoy the party along with everyone else. Everything turned out great and I think everyone had a good time, even though the rainy weather meant we were all stuck inside. We have a lot less family gatherings these days, so they are that much more special when they do happen. My mom was still in town and able to meet her great granddaughter.

The rest of the weekend, we relaxed with our immediate family. We went to the aquarium. I got in lots of baby snuggles. We had a lovely time even if it was way too short.

Now the four of us are in Hope and it's quiet and lovely. The weather is warm and sunny and we have nothing on our schedule. How perfect.

Yesterday were the final two concerts under the direction of Gail, our beloved musical director. It's hard to put into words how much she means to the choir members, both past and present. Her direction and demands for excellence have pushed us, challenged us, inspired us and ultimately made us proud of our hard work after concert days. But her guidance is about more than just the music. The community and sense of belonging that she has been able to create and inspire are second to none. 

There are so, so many good choir memories from rehearsals, concerts, and retreats. The retreats in Whistler every fall were so much fun: the talent show, the (super competitive) silent auction, walks, games, the hot tubs and of course the singing. At rehearsals: the beauty of harmonies coming together, the laughter, running to beat the washroom line, reconnecting that first Monday night in September, and debriefing after an event. On concert weekends: the excitement in the stairwell right before a concert, playing cards in the green room, stepping onto the risers, the audience, the band, Gail's piano playing and her voice, the high after a concert. The happy times are why the choir is so full of joy and love and friendship.

 But there were some sad times too and it's those times that show how Gail made us all family. There was the death of Nichole, a long-time choir member who actually brought me into the choir. There were other deaths and serious illnesses, personal challenges, surgeries, COVID, the Lapu Lapu tragedy and hard times of many kinds....During difficult times, we came together. We talked, we cried, we hugged, we prayed, and we sang. It was healing and beautiful. In fact, when my father passed away and I had to take a leave from choir, I went to our Christmas concert. Sitting in the audience singing along and seeing my choir family was the best medicine for my grieving soul because, thanks to Gail, it really is a family. I'll never forget how my choir friends comforted me after the concert and Gail's big hug and comforting words. I will sorely miss being in choir under Gail's direction.