Tradition of Faith
I've been reflecting on some threads or themes in my life.
The joy I felt when I learned to sing the Amidah prayer from my Jewish prayerbook. The peace of reading along with the morning and evening prayers. Refreshment of soul when I celebrated the Jewish Shabbat - lighting candles, enjoying homemade challah bread, and studying the Scriptures.
In church, singing along with hymns that have been sung for hundreds of years. Even thousands of years, when we sing the ancient Christian hymn Of the Father's Love Begotten. The delight and devotion of reading Scripture at church and lightning the Christmas candles with the congregation.
Reading the writings and prayers of the Puritans long before me. Sharing a devotional reading schedule with an entire church.
Studying ancient history, especially Near Eastern history and language. Tracing my lineage back to Adam through so many people, places, and times. Connecting back with history and my own roots in this world.
There's something about connecting with the ancient roots of my faith that fuels the life-flame in me.
I think I'm cut in the mold of a devout person, but it's hard to hold this posture in a secular, godless world. I'm inclined toward respect, appreciation, wonder, awe, and reverence. I'm drawn to this in forms like the Japanese tea ceremony, blending essential oils, or collecting items which hold meaning for me. Treasuring and protecting. If there were a role for a single, Christian female as one who tends the fire in the temple, that's where you would find me. Holding the censer close to my heart.
So, in this world, where does one such as this fit?
The joy I felt when I learned to sing the Amidah prayer from my Jewish prayerbook. The peace of reading along with the morning and evening prayers. Refreshment of soul when I celebrated the Jewish Shabbat - lighting candles, enjoying homemade challah bread, and studying the Scriptures.
In church, singing along with hymns that have been sung for hundreds of years. Even thousands of years, when we sing the ancient Christian hymn Of the Father's Love Begotten. The delight and devotion of reading Scripture at church and lightning the Christmas candles with the congregation.
Reading the writings and prayers of the Puritans long before me. Sharing a devotional reading schedule with an entire church.
Studying ancient history, especially Near Eastern history and language. Tracing my lineage back to Adam through so many people, places, and times. Connecting back with history and my own roots in this world.
There's something about connecting with the ancient roots of my faith that fuels the life-flame in me.
I think I'm cut in the mold of a devout person, but it's hard to hold this posture in a secular, godless world. I'm inclined toward respect, appreciation, wonder, awe, and reverence. I'm drawn to this in forms like the Japanese tea ceremony, blending essential oils, or collecting items which hold meaning for me. Treasuring and protecting. If there were a role for a single, Christian female as one who tends the fire in the temple, that's where you would find me. Holding the censer close to my heart.
So, in this world, where does one such as this fit?