“How Long?”

The World is vast and varied with an overwhelming number of ways the human soul can be moved, or brought to tears. This simple two-word question, ‘how long?’ mentioned in our guest lecture last week did just that. . . for me.

I’m not a ‘people person’ and I’m willingly able to admit this; own it (now). There was a time, whole seasons of my life when I didn’t know this of myself. Then, once I did. Dear Lord, what do I do with that? It has been quite an experience figuring out how to articulate it and, even more so, just how do I manage to be ‘a part of’ with this trait so ingrained within me? The World was too ‘peoply’ for me! for sooo long!

There is a quiet divine sense of true peace in solitude; especially in solitude with God, my relationship with Christ and intense devotion in my life to study scripture and deepen this relationship. I’m aware of the benefits of being someone that doesn’t ‘have to’ have a person, a partner, close family or even a close friend. The main benefit is being comfortable alone without the pangs or suffering of loneliness. It is a realm with an ever-present awareness of God’s closeness and existence with an almost tangible coat of His love.

How long though? How long can that last? Or sustain me? Is that even okay? This year has been one of travels of the human spirit for me. Travels that haven’t involved cars, trains, planes, or such. Travels of the human heart; and travels of the human connection. Whilst I’m confident that my ability to be in connection and relationship with Christ is sufficient, I’m humbly aware that I NEED other humans. I need people. And as the song says, ‘people who need people, are the luckiest people . . . in the World.’  

So, here I am. I’ve made commitments in a range of areas of my life to balance this; to make a more well-rounded life for myself and others. To BE here, for more than a season. It hasn’t been easy and isn’t always comfortable; especially with the loner in me (content with quiet solo-time) creeping in from time to time . . . tempting me to run. So far, so good. Not perfect at it, but I have strived to work on it perfectly by NOT giving up!

This year’s spiritual goal of ‘returning to the fold’ has been lovely. Whether it is receiving the good news on Sundays, facilitating our Women’s Tea events, working in the church office, or just having a casual conversation, I’m feeling just what Andrew Root shared about last week. Just what does help make a church congregation work? Real human connection and taking that extra special moment to ask someone, “How Long?.” I can travel the World with all my church family. Travels into the hearts and lives of others! And I don’t even have to pack a carry-on!

Jesus asked the father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. Mark 9:21

If you missed our guest lecturer, Andrew Root, PhD last week, his full-length talk can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/_PbmH3nrz_U