We're still reading in the Christ Plays in History section of our book--through the end of June. Here are some things I've been reflecting on:
+The whole idea of living sacrificially is, I think, so much deeper than what I conceptualize at a surface level of thought. It does, to quote Peterson, "easily blur into generalities." I think it's easy for me to affirm the idea of a sacrificial life in lots of areas, but I have become aware that I don't like the idea of sacrifice when it comes to something like giving up the "right" to be understood, for example. I find I want to explain myself, to make sure another understands why I am not at fault or wrong. I find myself tempted to share what I know about anothe person that would "prove" that he/she is the one causing the problem, or whatever. I'm not stating this very clearly because it has just started to buzz around my head recently--there I go explaining myself...
+I continue to really appreciate the almost sacramental regard for hospitality expressed here. I do think a shared meal is such a basic place to make connections with other people--those we love and like and those we don't...It has taken me awhile in my life to relax and get over the need for perfection when I "entertain". Though I still like things to be pretty and tasty, etc. I am just way more relaxed about it all, and I simply enjoy my guests so much more than I used to... What are some practices of hospitality y'all engage in?
+I do think an intentional relationship with people we don't agree with (other Presbyters, for example, across the theological and "issue" divides) over a meal would do much to help us relate well (with love, respect, no game-playing) even when we disagree and even when we feel the need to express those disagreements in public settings.
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I, too, really struggle with the need to be understood. For me I think it's basically about a need we have -- that's probably universal -- to be taken seriously. Not agreed with so much as just being heard and heard reasonably accurately. I think this is an area of childhood/family-of-origin brokenness in my case -- I grew up in a family where kids weren't really listened to, and I tend to assume that people won't listen to me now. Some of the experiences of the last few years in my life seem to have hit me in just this place. My tendency is to fight to be heard, to explain too much, to justify. I've had to let go of some of that or go crazy, and I've thought of it in just the terms you use: sacrificing the need and desire to be understood. I don't like it, but I really hope some good has come of it. I've spent so much time alone in the last year that I can't really tell.
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