That Thing in the Kitchen Sink

You know that thing in the kitchen sink that sits there and catches all the little bits of food that would otherwise clog your drain? And how you have to take it out about six times a day to whap it inside your trash can and clear it out? (I'm not talking to those of you who have a garbage disposal. Go scrape some pans directly into the sink and ponder your life of privilege.) Well, this blog post will be a catchall, much like that...thingy. (What the hell is it, exactly?)


I hearby dub thee "The Nasty Trap."

1) First of all: this is an excellent article in the Huff Post by a parishioner St. Mark's, right here in RVA! So exciting!! It's called "Getting Churchy in a Time of Chaos and Hate: A Personal Journey," and I highly recommend it. It is, to me, the best kind of "come to Jesus" story, in that it's about someone with doubt giving church a try anyway. It is several other things as well, and an important read. I first saw it referenced here on Episcopal Cafe, which is a really great digest kind of a site if you're into that sort of thing. (I am, in fact, into that sort of thing.)

2) To that end, sort of-- I'm involved in a little mini book study at my church geared towards helping its participants be evangelists, which is to say to fulfill Christ's commission that we "go and make disciples of all nations" (from Matthew 28:19). This necessarily involves talking to people about the good news, which is why we spread it, btw-- not to turn the people of all nations into a zombie hoard of Jesus Freaks intent to do our bidding, but because Christ is doing amazing work in our own lives and we want to share that with others.

I get that it's likely off-putting, if you're a non-believer. I get that, totally and 100%, but as someone said at our first meeting, how hard is it to sing the praises of an awesome restaurant? Why not open up more often about the joy of relationship with the living God?

(Oh, you know: fear, rejection, being seen as one of "those" Christians, etc etc etc unto all eternity. But it's good work and I want to do it.)

The book has been great so far, the discussion last week was wonderful, and there are many prayers to be prayed about being open to speaking about God in this way, and I'm praying them.

3) I was a chalice bearer for the first time on Pentecost. This was an absolutely amazing experience, and

4) it happened almost one year to the day that I felt the Spirit move in my life in a new way. Whatever happens during the next 12 months and onward, I'll never be the same and that's a good thing. Such a good and wonderful thing, and I wanted to note that here.

5) I had more to say, but it's late, y'all. Good night!

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Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and
give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ;
give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the
afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
(from "An Order for Compline" in the BCP)