After having been gone for much of two weeks, it kind of takes awhile to get back into the routine of things. Small things like getting up and making the coffee, checking emails, brushing the teeth. Not to mention the routine of work - which, for me, consists largely of getting ready for our Sunday worship gathering and various things throughout the week.
As I was getting ready yesterday morning, I began to think about the "routine" of Sunday worship. You hear a lot of people complain about how "church" shouldn't be about rituals or traditions; we shouldn't just 'go-through-the-motions'; and that sort of thing. But on the other hand... is it all wrong? I mean, having been away from the 'routine' for two weeks, I was rather discombobulated. But as people started gathering for worship yesterday, I began to feel a certain... comfort. It was like, "yes, this is what I needed."
I agree, our worship shouldn't become a mundane 'going-through-the-motions.' But I don't know that 'routine' is so bad. Isn't that the basis for much of our faith: the routine of going over 'the story'; the routine of communion, baptism, feetwashing; the routine of Scripture reading and recitation; the routine of prayer; the routine of gathering together with one another; etc.? Perhaps "rhythm" is a better word. Are these the sort of rhythm's our life was meant to have? Yes, I think so. Like waking, and eating, and exercise, and sleep... prayer, communion, fellowship, Word.
Anyway... it was nice to be back among our friends. It was nice to worship God together. This 'community' thing of His was a good idea. 'Relationships' are a good idea too. God is good.
Peace, friends. Revolution(ate).
8 comments:
As I was reading this post, the word "rhythm" came to mind before I read it. I picked Claiborne's book back up over the weekend; I HAD to stop reading it during our trip to Disney...reading about Shane and Momma T and knowing where I was headed....well, "conflicted" comes to mind.
Anyway, if you recall, he talks about the rhythm and structure of their lives....there's "life" to that. "Routine" seems dead, with out purpose, just doing the same ol' to be doin' the same ol', ya know?
I can imagine y'all are discombobulated, being gone that long in and of itself; but you've had great loss in the midst, too. "Normalcy" comes to mind, also. Just getting back to normal, if there's any such thing.
Glad you found comfort in returning to your community.
I think the Protestant instinct is to value improvisation and even novelty above tradition. I won't deny that tradition can become an idol, but so can novelty.
Yancey has a bit in one of his books where he describes visiting a Russian Orthodox priest serving a community of prisoners. Yancey was his guest, and for the most part observed. Near the end of the service, Yancey asked if he couldn't also say a word of prayer. The priest regarded him for a moment, then said, "Of course." Yancey was all set to open his mouth and start, but the priest had to re-light all the candles, re-drape the shawl over the altar, etc. Yancey said that this tradition, combined with the priest's willingness to accomodate him, spoke to him with incredible power.
Robin,
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I imagine Shane C. and Mickey Mouse might cause a bit of inner turmoil. Glad you picked the book up again.
Darrell,
Good point about novelty becoming an idol (not for me, of course!). Congrats on the book being done. Yes... I want mine autographed!
peace,
dh
I think rythm is a good thing - and routine can be as well. Sometimes I think we worry about those words because they aren't the "cool" words anymore. Maybe what we do or how we do it isn't the core thing - it's the motivation.
Ha! I was all set to send you my spam, but it looks like I don't have to! Thanks, man. I'll give you the skinny on the autographed edition as soon as the books arrive.
Jah,
Excellent point, my dear... the motivation observation. "Cool" seems to be such a powerful motivator for so many (unfortunately even meself all too often).
thanks,
dh
Darrell,
Yeah, I was wondering where my spam was. :) I'll keep an eye on your blog (as I usually do), and look forward to it with a youthful desire.
peace,
dh
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