the back burner

far from the land of giants

So I'm rather full. I've spent a lot of time in my car lately, which has meant lots of time with nothing to do but reflect and read road signs. The only image I can come up with for how I feel right now is some gigantic and unfamiliar fruit. There's something good in the middle, but I have to do a lot of peeling to get there. So I'm just turning the fruit round and round, trying to figure out how to open it without squishing the sensations inside. And without hurting my fingers.

I guess I'm like a mangosteen. Only bigger. Or maybe a durian

Part of it comes from being in Chattanooga this weekend. Being there meant talking with giants in my life: Chris, Mike, Ashley, John Gregor, Asha, Ben, Carrie... lots of important people who nearly always have important things to say. I've missed that. I live far from the land of giants. My teammates are not giants. They're growing in their stature in my life, but they are still a mixture of co-workers and friends -- halflings that I love, but whom I do not always Understand.

Another part of it comes from being in Orlando for two days, visiting the Central Florida Presbytery. That particular area includes gigantic churches and gigantic leaders, but nobody showed much interest in us. A few people were cornered into conversation with us, but no one came to examine our display or ask us probing questions. Hmmm. I was a little miffed. Situations like that always tend to make me feel small, self-critical and deflated. But you know what? I know I have a great team. I know the Lord is behind what we're doing. I know that my standing with God allows me the confidence to receive non-acceptance from men. I also know that I was not at my most charitable in Orlando, anyway.

So I will continue to peel and think about how to bring my cognitive theology to bear upon the heart interactions I have with other folks. It probably has something to do with being thankful for the past and walking into the future with a willing attitude, sure of God's love.