reading is for everyone

"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions."*

One day a while ago, sitting on a bus going into university, I was reading my Bible when a man sat next to me. Most days that is a common occurrence, but that day, instead of sitting in silence this stranger started talking to me, his opening line was priceless: "Are you studying to become the Pope?"

I found it funny for two reasons... one, I am a woman! second, more than just the Pope read the Bible!

I have just finished a week in a retreat called L'Abri** which is designed for anyone who is interested to sit down and read a few books and think about big topics, including what Christianity is all about and how it relates to everyday life. They have all sorts of books, on Christianity, culture, classics, children, church, and community, as well as many other topics!!

It was such a privilege to be able to sit down and have the freedom and time read and think, and discuss!

Maybe not everyone thinks reading is as enjoyable as i find it, but that doesn't mean it's not for you. There is much to be learned from books. And books shouldn't just be things for smart people, or rich people, or important people, or people in 'that field'... but for everyone and anyone!

But maybe we can only really get into reading if we have questions. At L'Abri everyone is encouraged to ask any and every question that they have. It is that freedom and openness to explore that I hope to continue for the rest of my life. Why are we afraid to ask questions? How much do we want questions solved? For me, an unanswered question hangs around my mind, until I give it the time it requires.

Conversations around a meal, or over a cup of tea, or on a walk are great for gaining perspective and sounding boards. But ultimately, I turn to books (or if it is possible, test it out in real life) to find a deeper understanding and answers to my questions.

"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."***

Who am I to think I've got it all answered? There are days I think I have answered all my questions, but tomorrow or the next day something always happens that makes me wonder about life's big questions. 

The quote at the top describes Jesus as a young teen seeking the opportunity to learn and find answers to his questions. Reading is for everyone! Ask questions, seek answers. 

"For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks find, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."****

*Luke 2:46
**http://www.labri.org/england/index.html 
***Proverbs 28:26
****Luke 11:10

Happy Here

"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."*

 

So much of life we spend looking forward to something. When we are at school it might be a favourite subject. When we are working Monday to Friday, we might look forward to the weekend. When we are at uni, we look forward to getting into the workforce. When we are in the workforce, we look forward to retirement, or annual holidays. When we are single, we look forward to marriage. When we are married, we loook forward to children. When we are travelling, we might look forward to the next destination.

 

The saying 'the grass is greener on the other side' does not mean that it actually is greener, more lush, restful, healthy.... Rather, I think, the saying highlights how unsatisfied we can be with what we have. This can be a materialistic longing. But in this post I also want to explore the idea of being satisfied where we are in time.

 

There is an ancient Jewish proverb:

"All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied."**

It is obvious to us that we have to eat several times a day to keep us going. In this day and age, we don't (just) work for our bread, but we still enjoy satisfying other desires, wants and needs. So often they do not satisfy... for long. Similarly, we seek to do things which will bring us the most happiness, or fun, or joy, or thrill! I have found that that is what travelling for fun is mostly about. Going to places I want to visit, eating the food I want to try, exploring the sights of cities that I find interesting. If I spend my time in one church, wondering what the next one will look like. Or being in a city, and wishing I was already in the next. Or staying in a hostel, and wishing I was in a home. Or re-packing my backpack and dreaming of my wardrobe... How am I satisfied? I can't even appreciate what is around me, and in the city, and part of the experience if I keep thinking of where else I could be... 

But truth be told, I really do miss my wardrobe, and wonder what is happening back home, and who I will meet next week... By myself, I cannot ever find lasting satisfaction. There is no person or place or thing that could completely satisfy me. There is only One who can satisfy, the living and good God. He can satisfy our hearts and minds, and fill our lives with so many good things!*

 

God does this in the form, and through, his Son Jesus, who offers water that will mean we will never be thirsty again! The Son of God promises that, "whever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."***

 

The Old Testament song of David, reminds us to remind ourselves that only this way can we be satisfied:

Bless the Lord, O my soul,  

and forget not all his benefits,  

who forgives all your iniquity,  

who heals all your diseases,  

who redeems your life from the pit,  

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,  

who satisfies you with good  

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.****

 

 

*Psalm 107:9

**Ecclesiastes 6:7

***John 4:13-14

****Psalm 103:2-5 

Cats and Dogs

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”*

I have already said how much I enjoy children, in a previous post. Today I want to share how much I like animals!!

In our travels we haven't seen that many animals -in general- or pets -specifically. It may sound soft, but I miss my cat. She is an odd little thing, with strange habits, but she is warm and funny and cute! There is something really nice about coming home to find a pet waiting for you. The way she sits at the window, and comes for a cuddle when I should be doing something else... if I said too much more this post would be only about my cat! have no fear, I have more to say... 

I am currently staying with friends who have both a cat and a dog. I am over the moon! I have played catch with the dog, and cat-and-mouse with the cat!

Many will argue over whether a cat or a dog is a better pet. I cannot decide. They both have merits and disadvantages! This is not the place nor the reason for my post. I simply want to say, animals should have a place in daily life.

Noah, in the Old Testament, was given the task of protecting and caring for all kinds of animals from the impending (man made?) natural disaster...

"Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive."**

Not only are we called to be responsible and take charge of every living thing***, I think we can also take delight in them.

"The hills bring it their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby."****

Cats play, dogs play, people play. We can take pleasure from caring for animals, but also from sharing in their company. Enjoying the individual personalities of each cat, dog, rabbit, fish?, guinea pig, mouse, budgie, horse... or other pet, that we have the privilege to take care of! 

Furthermore, from animals we can learn things. Some say that the dependence of dogs to their masters shows the kind of dependence one should have towards God. I personally envy the patience and apparent rest cats enjoy, sure that they will be fed without the need to work for (or please) their master, similar to the trust we should show in God's provision for our lives!

From both animals I cannot help but remember how much relationships are a core to what is meaningful in life!

My first quote, about even dogs getting crumbs off the masters table, is a lesson for me -and many many others- that God does care, and will provide, even if we don't seem to be the 'first choice' of people for God's Kingdom!

When I wonder if or why me, I think about that verse and reflect on the many blessings and gifts I do have, given to me, even if I haven't asked or don't deserve them. Much like most pets, who don't deserve our love and attention, but we love them just because they are themselves... despite sitting in the wrong seat, or pooing in the wrong place! ;)

I cannot imagine my life without animals in it!

*Matthew 15:27

**Genesis 6:20

***Genesis 1:28

****Job 40:20