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How's it going, readers? We had some good discussion last week, and several people checking in to say they were starting late but had begun the book. Where are people at? What is jumping out at you? Do you love it? Hate it? Check in please.
This week's assigned chapters were four through six. We covered The Practice of Walking on Earth (Groundedness), Getting Lost (Wilderness), and Encountering Others (Community). My personal favorite subject amongst these chapters is the getting lost theme.
I imagine that one's fondness for getting lost is linked to one's ability to get found again. Barbara Brown Taylor starts chapter five off with some very pleasant descriptions of getting lost: wandering through a meadow and taking a scenic route through town. This is being lost only in the sense that you are not on your very most well known paths. It barely counts as being lost if you know exactly what to do in order to return quickly and without trouble to a place you know well.
Taylor acknowledges that these are "benign forms of getting lost (pg. 72)", but asserts that if we are so uncomfortable with lostness that even straying from a well-worn convenient footpath makes us nervous, then we will be ill prepared for any serious lostness that life might throw at us. We are intentionally mashing metaphors here: physical lostness (i.e. not knowing where you are or how to get where you want to go) is a powerful metaphor for--but not the same thing as--spiritual lostness, which is a crisis more about meaning than about location. I like this metaphor mash-up a great deal, but you may not.
At this point I'm going to go into an extended digression about driving, and maps, and GPS. If that sounds painful to you, jump ahead to the last couple paragraphs. I learned to drive in the town I grew up in. Many of you probably share this experience. I never had to think about how to get where I was going, because I'd been there before a hundred times, even if I hadn't been driving then. My navigation at that point was entirely instinctual and organic. I still have a hell of a time deciding which way north is in the town I grew up in.
When I moved away for college, all of a sudden I had to learn how to drive around a town I didn't know. I had to use maps. I know without a doubt which was north is when I'm in Spokane, WA, because I learned how to navigate that town by using a map. These were the days of Triple A maps.
Things have changed a lot navigation wise in the past decade or so. I haven't bought a map in a long time. I remember being so impressed by Triple A's famous "Trip Ticks", which were linear maps of your planned route that you could order in advance of a long drive or vacation. Google will now produce these instantly and for free. Anytime I needed to go somewhere new, I just printed out a new map.
My main form of transportation in Seminary was a motorcycle, which necessitated a different kind of navigation. If you're going somewhere new on a motorcycle, you pretty much have to memorize how to get there, because it's really hard to unfold a map while riding. Even if you have one of those snazzy tank bags with a clear plastic map bag on top, staring down at a map while hurtling along on two wheels is a pretty bad idea. For three years I navigated by memorizing where I was going before I left. If I forgot, I had to pull over and stop, get out the map, and memorize some more.
When we moved to Puyallup, J and I got a nifty new car with built in GPS. Taylor could probably have added a whole other chapter on how GPS gives us the illusion of never being lost. It is insidious. I had been to Tacoma General Hospital at least three times when I had to drive someone else's car there one day. I was halfway there and headed in the generally right direction when I realized I had no idea where I was going. I had previously just followed the GPS voice without paying much attention to where I was. How's that for a metaphor for spiritual lostness? (I've since learned to use the GPS to improve my knowledge of where I am. Since the machine always gives three routes to where I tell it to go, I'll sometimes pick the odd one just to see a new way to get somewhere.)
All of this is a long way of saying, isn't it interesting how many different ways there are for us to pay attention (or not) to where we are? The link between physical lostness and spiritual lostness says that this is a truth of faith as well as a truth of driving.
One last note about getting lost. It is very popular nowadays to say that kids are too well sheltered, too well protected, too safe to really grow up. We look with nostalgia back to days when kids could wander wherever in received safety. I'm willing to believe that is might be necessary for kids to experience wilderness (it might be necessary for adults too), but I'm not sure there's a practical way to implement this. I recommend this article by a mom who holds these opinions and then has to actually experience what it's like to lose her son, for however short a time.
So, there we are. There were two other chapters of course, but I'm out of thoughts for now. Jump in with whatever you want, comment-wise. I hope you're enjoying the book!
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Well, seems it's just me at this point. lol I've read ch 4 and will comment later... I forgot the book at home... will catch up at least on that chapter tonight.
ReplyDelete:) Oh, yes, fascinating disucssion ... I"m so deep.
Ok, so I loved chapter 4. I haven't read the other two yet but this one hit me. Our family loves to camp. To be out in the wilderness, camping, at the beach, feet in the sand. There is nothing better than walking along a beach barefoot looking out into the ocean and horizon or walking on a trail up in the mountains ... either of them to feel more spiritual or closer to God. I probably feel most spiritual there than at home. Interesting. Maybe because it's a simpler life. No tv. No cell phone. No laptop. No work. Nothing to worry about except washing the dishes, cooking dinner, making smores and getting the kids to the bathroom. Oh, and sitting by the fire. I always take a book with me, but get little reading done. I just sit there, by the fire, watching it, ... chatting with the family, telling old stories, laughing. Having a relaxing time. It's lovely. Ahhh....
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to go camping. We have three trips planned so far for this summer. One to the ocean, two to the mountains. Hopefully we can squeeze a couple more in between.
Ok, that's all I guess. On to chapter 5.... will be back.
Geez, Ben, have we scared everyone away?
I am part way through chapter 5 but have some thoughts. I have been lost, both figuratively and literally.
ReplyDeleteI remember when Nathan and I were "courting" and I was in college, him in the Navy. He was stationed down in CA, near Oakland. I had flown down for a short visit, as we took advantage of visits as often as was financially possible. (We were apart for most of the 5 years between high school and getting married.) He had borrowed his friend's car as he didn't have any transportation down there. He lived on base and didn't need any really... Anyway, we were trying to head to dinner out and spend a special evening together and we were soooo lost. Neither of us knew where we were, where we were supposed to be going, and while I don't know Oakland, I knew we were in a bad part of town. We even drove through a red light being distracted with trying to find our way "out". While it was frustrating as all get out, we were laughing hysterically which made for a good night even though we were "lost".
Forgive me for I don't know my Bible stories well... but my figurative situation of being lost... my husband and I went through a couple years of infertility. It was such a frustrating phase of our lives. More of my life. My husband, which most/all of you don't know, is pretty laid back. He doesn't worry about too much, takes things in stride and "it is what it is" is his attitude on much of life. (except for his work, he can get a bit testy about.) Anyway, we were both checked out, many tests, appointments, etc, and he checked out just fine. So, it was my problem. And oh.... what a problem. I was so lost, so distraught, so frustrated, when you want a baby/family so badly and just can't seem to have one. I was lost. Fortunately, I found a great doctor FINALLY, and we eventually had our two beautiful children. It was an adventure at being lost, and while I grew as a person and feel I'm a better parent because of it, it was quite unpleasant. In the same breath, I'd go through it all over again if that is what it took to get my children.
Interesting.
Lost--Newly married, 18 years old, and moved to Las Vegas NV where my ex-husband was stationed. After getting settled into our apartment, I had to find a job--quickly. I was so scared--driving in the big/flashy town, not knowing where I was going (long before GPS), never interviewed for a job before, and knowing our money wouldn't last very long. I had three strikes against me--young, no work experience, and as a military wife I was considered transient. You want to be an adult and responsible; it was so frustrating and hard not to feel like a failure. I ended up taking a cashier position at the officer's club--minimum wage, no benefits, no breaks or defined lunch period, and the club manager was an alcoholic; but it was a job--relief. When you start at the bottom, there is only way to go--up! It really was a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteJan
Being Lost and Encountering others really flowed together for me. We can be lost in ourselves (not speaking of ego here. I learned very early in life than I am a loner; whether it's by nature or nurture I don't know, but since childhood I have been quite content to curl up to read a book, sew, or dream by myself; having many acquaintances but few friends. Humans need human interaction--not only to receive but to give. My biggest fear in life is being old and alone. If I don't reach out, then this fear will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
ReplyDeleteOkay everyone – I’m late getting on board and a bit behind but have been enjoying the book and would like to make some comments before you wrap up the last chapters -
ReplyDeleteCh.4 Walking on the Earth...Erin said in her comments that she feels more spiritual or closer to God outdoors, in the wilderness. I sense something similar when I’m outdoors – the more removed from human activity I am, the closer to God I feel. I think it’s a combination of the awe inspiring beauty of creation and feeling very small and vulnerable in the vastness of an ocean or a mountain range.
I love labyrinths. Two I’ve walked come to mind that felt especially sacred – one in the sea grass next to the Atlantic on Cape Cod and another on a cliff high above the Pacific in Hawaii. The labyrinths themselves were special but also felt like they were part of something much larger.
“Not everyone is able to walk”. That really spoke to me. I love to walk and walking is something I’ve never taken for granted. I haven’t really thought of it in a spiritual way but after reading the chapter, I can certainly see it as a sacred activity now. I grew up in a small Eastern Oregon town, where my Aunt Barbara, paralyzed since age 16, lived two blocks away with my grandparents. I (and my five siblings over the years), did a lot of wheelchair pushing around town, starting when our chins barely cleared the handles we gripped. We became acutely aware at a young age what “accessible” means.
My mother gradually lost her ability to walk over the last seven years due to a number of falls and fractures. About a year ago, her mobility was reduced to only walking short distances in her studio apartment with the aid of a walker. Then about nine months ago, she was not able to safely take even a couple of steps and was confined to a wheelchair. About the same time my mother lost her ability to walk, I plodded my way through the running portion of a sprint triathlon. I remember thinking of her while I ran and being very aware and grateful that as difficult as the running part of the event was for me, my legs and feet allowed me to do it.
My husband has been diagnosed with an illness related to muscular dystrophy that will eventually severely impact his mobility. As he struggles with stairways and comes to terms with losing his ability to do strenuous hikes, I grieve for what he’s losing, and am thankful for what I still have.
I think I'm too wordy as my comments won't fit on one post so I'll do 3 posts for the 3 chapters.
ReplyDeleteCh.5 Getting Lost...I like the “mashing of metaphors” and can relate to getting lost, both physically and spiritually, and also intentionally and unintentionally. I’ve been lost while driving, walking, in relationships, employment, religious beliefs and spiritual practices. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, sometimes scary, and sometimes fun. One of my favorite activities is getting “lost” walking in an unfamiliar (or sometimes familiar) city. I love not having a particular schedule or agenda - just wandering and making discoveries along the way.
I haven’t started using a GPS yet and have some fear about becoming too reliant on a dashboard voice for finding my way. I think about those stories where someone blindly followed their GPS only to find themselves stuck in a snow bank on a road not maintained during the winter months. (There must be a religious metaphor here). I already rely pretty heavily on mapquest or something similar for the travel I do for work. As efficient as those maps and directions are, I try to use my old fashioned paperless/GPS-less directional instincts if the area is fairly familiar, just to keep the orienteering skills honed.
Getting lost in the woods...The term “Nature Deficit Disorder” comes to mind when I think about Ben’s comment on the concern that our children are too sheltered and protected and aren’t having the outdoor experiences (well, except for Erin’s kids) most of us fondly remember from our childhoods. With our bigger houses, shrinking backyards and ever growing media and technology distractions, the time and space we allot for exploring and playing outdoors has shrunk. I think we’re not as likely to nurture and protect what we don’t experience and/or appreciate in the natural world. I won't dwell on where this has led us here. Because of where most of us live and where the great outdoors lies, I think we need to be more intentional about experiencing the natural environment than our forefathers were. We can seek it out or sometimes even create it. For very small children, this could be as simple as leaving some natural vegetation, large rocks and logs in a backyard or community park for exploring, creating and imagining in a safe setting. An old wooden boat in a backyard has endless possibilities for adventure.
Re the story about the 6 year old boy lost for a time on a hiking trail - I’m not sure if I’d intentionally let a 6 year old out of my sight (especially one who had never been hiking or in the woods before) but thinking back on the adventures with my own sons, I’m sure we did. I’d like to think our comfort level and their confidence increased gradually as we had more shared experiences, and the letting out of the umbilical cord was a natural process that progressed as they grew. On the other hand, maybe we were just lucky, or maybe God had a hand in keeping them safe as they forded streams, scrambled up boulders, and teetered on the edge of precipices – usually within sight.
Ch.6 Encountering others...In my work, I encounter strangers almost daily, and I love it. One of the reasons I enjoy it so much is that it’s like watching a new play every day – changing scenes, different characters, always interesting. I’m fascinated by the variety of homes I enter, the people who live there, and the stories they share with me. Most of the strangers are very different from me – in age, race, culture, life history and income, and most are faced with extremely challenging circumstances. Eye contact and listening is important in my work. I’ve been moved by some strangers and repulsed by others but I still have to pay attention with all of my senses. I’m required to write about what I see, what I talk about, what the strangers tell me. That helps me to remember to pay attention. I take notes while I listen and ask questions, trying to be careful to not pay more attention to my notes than the person I’m writing about. Sometimes I just put down my pen and listen.
ReplyDeleteBarbara B.T’s description of the Piedmont College class, “Religions of the World”, reminded me of a book group we did several years ago with the youth at Christ Church. We read the book, ‘How to Be a Perfect Stranger’, a guidebook about how to be a guest in different places of worship. The highlights of the book group were our visits to a number of different worship centers in the Puget Sound area. We were strangers participating, often awkwardly, in unfamiliar rituals at a Mosque, Synagogue and Buddhist Temple, among others. Even our visits to what we might assume would be familiar - other Christian denominations, felt awkward and strange (services at a Pentecostal and Quaker church come to mind) but also very warm and welcoming.
Guess I had more to say than I initially thought. As I was writing this, I was really wishing I could just sit down and have a conversation with all of you about what we’re reading, thinking and feeling but understand the difficulty of coordinating book group schedules. I’d be up for a Sunday 9:00 a.m. slot for a book group sometime – Ben?
Robin-interesting you talking about letting your kids go a bit at a time. With mine, being 5 and 8, I am so strict about having them in my sight. We just went camping this last weekend and it's very hard for me to allow them to ride bikes or walk "around the loop". For some reason, it seems more safe there, again, closer to God, ... maybe I'm thinking others are like that too, that no way would someone do something to my kids while camping, doing the same love that I have... but I bet my thoughts could be off. I would say I'm more of the pessimist, glass is half empty kind of person, unfortunately. I think part of that comes from work. As a pharmacist, I get excuses laid out to me on a daily basis. Just today..."oh, I NEED my oxycodone a week early due to an emergency trip to Idaho, but I'll be back to get these other ones on tues." Funny thing is, last time he got his month supply was the 28th of May, to last one month, just enough to get him through to tues, but apparently he is either lying, or ate too many and needs more, again, out of his meds. I hate liars. The drug liars. They all want their drugs/habits/"munchies" and they think they are pulling one over on me, and I know the real story.
ReplyDeleteSorry, got off on a tangent. Grrr.... work is a whole other issue in my life. ;)
Robin, I'm sorry about your husband. I have fibromyalgia and some days I don't think I'll make it through the day. Other days are ok. Some days I have severe pain, Other days not as bad. I know some with this are disabled, in a wheelchair, and for now I'm thanking God I have a good doctor that can help me, Fibromyalgia is his only specialty. I am trying to get in better shape, which is hard, as you work out the next day you think you are going to die from the pain... just everyday things can knock you out with exhaustion. So, again, a tangent, but for now I'm thankful I am feeling as good as I am. I hope and pray it doesn't get too much worse.... my thoughts to you and your husband. Physical challenges are rough. :(
Still need to read the rest of ch 5 and 6 but wanted to comment to Robin.
Who are you anyway, Robin? Do you go to 10 o'clock? I should be a regular but haven't been coming as of late (go ahead ben!! add your comment here...) I need to get back to it. :)
I have been reading and have some thoughts. I have really enjoyed reading this book and reading the thoughts/comments from others. Have done a poor job of putting my thoughts down. I will finish reading this book and then re-read it in a while. I would like to try to blog thing again when time is not such a premium and I am healthy, (bad cold and oral surgery have really taken me out of the loop this week).
ReplyDeleteThank you all for giving me lots to think about.
Pat
Anonymous - re your comment about being a loner, having many acquaintances but few friends, and the fear of growing old and being alone... I think there are many social butterfly extroverts who have lots of acquaintances but few friends. And, unlike you, there are many people who find it very difficult to spend time with just themselves - curled up with a book or daydreaming. I think your description of being "content" is key. Sounds like a good growing old to me. A few or one good friend is all you need, right?
ReplyDeleteErin - I go go to 10:00. I think I know who you are but we'll have to re-introduce ourselves on a Sunday we're both there. I'm sorry about your fibromyalgia diagnosis. It sounds tough to deal with but I'm glad you have a doctor you trust. That can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteTalk about being lost, you all. I just found the "newer Posts" button on the bottom of the 1st page and found you all blogging away like crazy. I didn't know if the book/blog group was still going. I'm really feeling happy we are. I feel found !! Talk about God's grace and sense of humor. I bet She's got her legs crossed,She's laughing so hard in our shared Joy !!
ReplyDeleteRobin-I normally go to 10 o'clock when I show up. I've been poor lately about my attendence. Ben can attest to that. :/ I need to get back to it as I always feel better when I go.
ReplyDeleteI've slacked on the reading some. I need to get back to it. Will try to pop in with the last installment.