I'm pretty sure I can blame the entirety of Western culture, but I don't know how to stop and be present. Work hard, play hard, sleep hard...and try to squeeze as much time with friends in there as humanly possible.

We don't slow down.

Which is why the Rule of Life gets me every time...especially the pieces regarding self and others:  
  •  We will be present to ourselves, seeking wellness for our minds, hearts, souls, and bodies.
  •  We will be present to our neighbors and creation, paying attention to their needs.

I typically am so focused on the task(s) at hand, that I plow right through my days in an effort to be as efficient and as productive as possible...and often miss the most beautiful moments - and people - life has to offer.

As we've made a point to live out portions of the Rule in weekly segments, I've spent a lot of time the last month working on being present to myself, slowing down, breathing, enjoying the moments.  It's been an incredibly valuable - and healthy - slowing down experience.

But perhaps one of the most valuable interactions I've had is not with myself, but with my roommate. He's a real sweet guy from India who spends his time working on his doctorate (apparently having to do with lasers? I think he's trying to take over the world).  We rarely find ourselves in the same room, and when we do I tend to be on my way to this, focused on finishing that, rushing off to the next thing.

This past week I determined to pause and connect with him in conversation.  It took some doing, but we found ourselves chatting Friday night. 

...and it was phenomenal.

His background is fascinating to me, and it's been really interesting to learn about the parallels we've found between American Christianism and Indian Hinduism religious systems.  Here we are, two young men with entirely different backgrounds (so different, in fact, that the steak I cooked for dinner last week was the first cooking of a slab of meat he'd ever witnessed) struggling with many of the same social implications that the corresponding religions of our respective cultures present.

We found in conversation a shared heart for active social engagement and creating the kind of communities that empower people rather than oppress them.  I left the conversation, excited, energized...

...and all because I took a moment to be present.

Posted by Jordan
@jordanupdike

From the Rule of Life:
We will be present to our faith community, engaging in worship, fellowship and mission.

There are a few common strands being weaved together this week.  It’s our first blog post in this new series as the executive team of Lockerbie Central wrestle with the Rule of the Life in real, meaningful, life- and world-changing ways.  I’m the new guy around Lockerbie, posting our first entry in this new series.  Our topic this month: Presence, and I was present Sunday night for my first formal worship experience at LC.  Anytime we have “firsts” like these, it’s often helpful to be reminded of our tradition as  our progressive approach to living the way of Jesus is reinforced by the stories he told.

Sunday Rebecca reflected on the Lectionary text from Matthew:  The parable of the day laborers.  The workers who joined late in the day receive the same rewards as those who put in a long day’s work.  This is to teach us something of the Kingdom of Heaven.  But what?

Let’s dig deeper.

The gospel text is paired with Exodus from the Hebrew tradition this week.  Exodus 16: Quails and manna--I believe this was the small-plate special at Black Market last weekend with a pale ale.  The Exodus narrative finds grumbling Hebrews, a nerve-wrecked Moses, and a covenantal God character striking a deal.  The Divine will provide sustenance for the Hebrews to sustain their journey toward the covenant at Sinai.  Here’s the catch (pay attention here): Those who gather too much manna, by the time they reach their temporary dwellings, it’s been reduced to just enough; those who gather too little will find their volume increased to provide what is needed.

Jesus’ day laborers parable is a retelling of the Exodus story.  Those who spend 50, 60 hours a week juggling non-profits, community commitments, job requirements will find their reward no greater than those who balance faith, family, work, and community.  Those who require the strength of others to provide their needs will not be chastised nor degraded but will find their needs met joyfully from those who may provide.

I worked to be present to my faith community this week, and I did engage in worship Sunday evening, fellowship following, and mission through my relationships.  I have been serving on the LC executive team for some weeks now before actually attending a service.  My manna basket had become too full, my day laboring too long.

The Divine does not wish greed nor self-sacrificing humility, but desires we find balance in our lives that our cup of faith, family, and community each be just enough.  Being present is being balanced.  When you see me next on Sunday warmly greet me so that we both are reminded to be present in that moment.


Posted by Adam
@adamhayden

Members of the executive team recently committed to hold each other accountable in living out our Rule of Life.  Each week a member of the team will post here our progress and our struggles.  We hope you find hope and encouragement as you read about our experiences.