I'm Pentecostal, damnit...
Over the past week I have been presented with a smorgasbord of mental nuggets to think over.
I have been experiencing quite a bit of loneliness which I suppose is only inevitable when you're in a situation such as mine (though this consolation does not weaken the ache). I miss the ease of calling a friend to ask "you want to hang out?" I miss getting hugs. I miss being silly with someone you've known forever. But I suppose, also, that the coming comfort is equally inevitable. I know that God will continue to be my constant companion and bless me with great friends besides. In fact, he already has for which I am grateful. The community here has embraced me and even allowed for my loneliness (as they have all experienced the same). They understand my need for the familiar but are ready with new friendship along the way.
I have been experiencing the joys of working with others. Oh, the professional life. Though not a particularly pleasant experience I am learning to compromise and tolerate the quirks of others: scheduling conflicts, boundaries, and co-workers' distracting (and annoyingly "christian") music. But I welcome the learning experience (especially being blessed with such a non-threatening atmosphere).
I have been experiencing the conflict of theologies. Working at what I consider a rather "touchy-feely" sort of church but attending a solemn Presbyterian church I come against many theological/doctrinal differences incongruent with my past experience. And these things I am attempting to reconcile. The church at which I'm employed is very "seeker friendly," using absolutely no theological terminology and preaching topically rather than exegetically. This is very different and not how I would choose to do things. Yet I love working there. They are doing great things. The church I attend does not ordain women and (officially) holds to a cessationist theology concerning the gifts of the holy spirit. This is not in line with my call, beliefs, or experience. (Turns out, I'm rather Pentecostal). Yet I love attending there. They live out true community and really cherish the word of God. So I continue to chew on these nuggets, asking God for wisdom and doing my best to please him along the way.
I have been experiencing quite a bit of loneliness which I suppose is only inevitable when you're in a situation such as mine (though this consolation does not weaken the ache). I miss the ease of calling a friend to ask "you want to hang out?" I miss getting hugs. I miss being silly with someone you've known forever. But I suppose, also, that the coming comfort is equally inevitable. I know that God will continue to be my constant companion and bless me with great friends besides. In fact, he already has for which I am grateful. The community here has embraced me and even allowed for my loneliness (as they have all experienced the same). They understand my need for the familiar but are ready with new friendship along the way.
I have been experiencing the joys of working with others. Oh, the professional life. Though not a particularly pleasant experience I am learning to compromise and tolerate the quirks of others: scheduling conflicts, boundaries, and co-workers' distracting (and annoyingly "christian") music. But I welcome the learning experience (especially being blessed with such a non-threatening atmosphere).
I have been experiencing the conflict of theologies. Working at what I consider a rather "touchy-feely" sort of church but attending a solemn Presbyterian church I come against many theological/doctrinal differences incongruent with my past experience. And these things I am attempting to reconcile. The church at which I'm employed is very "seeker friendly," using absolutely no theological terminology and preaching topically rather than exegetically. This is very different and not how I would choose to do things. Yet I love working there. They are doing great things. The church I attend does not ordain women and (officially) holds to a cessationist theology concerning the gifts of the holy spirit. This is not in line with my call, beliefs, or experience. (Turns out, I'm rather Pentecostal). Yet I love attending there. They live out true community and really cherish the word of God. So I continue to chew on these nuggets, asking God for wisdom and doing my best to please him along the way.