Godspeed (vs. fomo and yolo)

We started using new bible study material last night, and I'm kind of excited! Once a week the wife and I meet with another pastor and his wife. We've been doing it for a couple few years off and on. Most of the time we just go through the bible and don't use any other materials. We have always enjoyed it.

Last night we started an 8-week study called "Godspeed: Unearthing Holiness," by Julie & Matt Canlis. It is based on a 37-minute film called "Godspeed,"  which, as the blurb says, "is the story of an American pastor whose desire to change the world grinds to a halt in a Scottish parish... What began as a five minute video ended as a half-hour portrait of the people and places who had taught Matt to repent & rest."

The film, and study, includes footage from the likes of Eugene Peterson, N.T. Wright, Father Giles, and others. The sessions are entitled: place, presence, pace, identity, stability, names, and mission.

I think I am going to like it! I especially liked the introduction in the study guide. Hopefully they don't mind if I share it:

The word 'Godspeed' comes from the old English phrase God Spede - meaning may God flourish you. Many of us wonder: can I live at Godspeed in big cities? Is flourishing only for rural Scotland?

Godspeed is not a call to pack up and move to the country. To live at Godspeed means to be present to where we are, and present to who surrounds us.

So what keeps us from being present?

The Oxford Dictionary has recently added two words that give us some cultural clues: FOMO (fear of missing out, 2015) and YOLO (you only live once, 2016). Both of these reflect the urgency of modern life - the insecure drive to take advantage of every opportunity, wherever it takes us. But what if it takes us away from where we are supposed to be? Is there a word for that? Are FOMO and YOLO dictating our lives more than an attentiveness to the place God has us and the people around us?

Uh... yeah!!!

You know, this kind of reminds me of when we first started pastoring the little country church we were at for so long. Until I lost my way.

Anyway, the study format is solidly set up, and I'm looking forward to it. Each session closes using Lectio Divina (spiritual reading of scripture), and with this prayer:

"Father, thank you for unearthing holiness in us. Help us to join with Jesus in unearthing holiness where we already live [and work, I would add], and with the Holy Spirit's help, to love the people we are with. Amen."

I would like to memorize that prayer so I can use it often throughout the day as I try to learn to notice, listen to, and (hopefully) love the people I am with. The people in my parish.

Godspeed, my friends...