Sometimes I wonder about random things. What makes something art? Is intelligence more useful than wisdom? Who decides where the line is between black and white? Does the study of philosophy ever lead to answers or just more questions? Is there a purpose to jealousy? Will we ever colonize other planets? How do we decide whose concept of morality is correct? I have many questions.
(My most recent wondering revolves around why I am writing this blog at 4 a.m., but that one probably has to do with my sleeping habits... or the amount of tea I had before bed.)
Sometimes I wonder why things happen the way they do. I believe that God’s original and best plan for us did not include disease or disaster or even death. I think it makes sense that we are gifted with the freedom of choosing our own paths and that we tend to make mistakes. I understand that ours is not a perfect world and that the mistakes we have made from the very beginning of human existence play into that. Yet, even in that knowledge, sometimes I wonder.
Sometimes I wonder how death can be comforting and devastating at the same time. What dictates our emotions? I wonder if religion will ever be obsolete. Is that happening as we watch? I wonder when we will ever eliminate food insecurity. Aren’t there enough resources to support the entire world? So many questions!
I think it’s important that we share our wonderings with one another. Not one of us (if we are honest with ourselves and with one another) is without questions, and I find strength in that commonality. We are in this wandering wondering together through the bond of our faith. Because of the committed Christian connection we have, even in my wonderings I feel safe and confident in my daily walk.
In fact, I find my questions sort of stimulating. I think God provides each of us with a brain and expects us to use it, and I think God is honored when we reflect on life and meaning – especially when we do that together. That’s why it’s important that we worship and study and pray together on a regular basis.
I may never have answers to all my questions, but I am not afraid or overwhelmed by the wonderings. St. Paul assures us that “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Paul is reminding Timothy (and us) that God has saved us and called us to a holy life, and that we are to keep spreading the Word and sharing our gifts through the work of the Church. We are to be rooted in Christ through our faith and love, and we are to be in this questioning life together. Encouraging words as we wander with wonder. Thanks, Paul!
Wondering together,
Pastor Beth
(My most recent wondering revolves around why I am writing this blog at 4 a.m., but that one probably has to do with my sleeping habits... or the amount of tea I had before bed.)
Sometimes I wonder why things happen the way they do. I believe that God’s original and best plan for us did not include disease or disaster or even death. I think it makes sense that we are gifted with the freedom of choosing our own paths and that we tend to make mistakes. I understand that ours is not a perfect world and that the mistakes we have made from the very beginning of human existence play into that. Yet, even in that knowledge, sometimes I wonder.
Sometimes I wonder how death can be comforting and devastating at the same time. What dictates our emotions? I wonder if religion will ever be obsolete. Is that happening as we watch? I wonder when we will ever eliminate food insecurity. Aren’t there enough resources to support the entire world? So many questions!
I think it’s important that we share our wonderings with one another. Not one of us (if we are honest with ourselves and with one another) is without questions, and I find strength in that commonality. We are in this wandering wondering together through the bond of our faith. Because of the committed Christian connection we have, even in my wonderings I feel safe and confident in my daily walk.
In fact, I find my questions sort of stimulating. I think God provides each of us with a brain and expects us to use it, and I think God is honored when we reflect on life and meaning – especially when we do that together. That’s why it’s important that we worship and study and pray together on a regular basis.
I may never have answers to all my questions, but I am not afraid or overwhelmed by the wonderings. St. Paul assures us that “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Paul is reminding Timothy (and us) that God has saved us and called us to a holy life, and that we are to keep spreading the Word and sharing our gifts through the work of the Church. We are to be rooted in Christ through our faith and love, and we are to be in this questioning life together. Encouraging words as we wander with wonder. Thanks, Paul!
Wondering together,
Pastor Beth
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