Right-thinking (discernment) can sometimes be tough. Sometimes we are too close to a situation to be able to fully understand what is going on, or to see other possibilities that might exist. We can be blinded by our present reality, and sometimes a bit narcissistic, in thinking we have “it” all figured out. I think this thought can apply to relationships, theology, philosophy, religion, mating habits of the duck-billed platypus etc. When the “it” applies to theology and our beliefs about god it might be wise to tread lightly in claiming we have “it” all figured out. When we become too close to a situation it can cloud our sensibilities for proper discernment. Sometimes a step back can offer the proper wider angle lens we need to see rightly. Just my four half-pennies.
Here’s a link to Mike Metzger’s most recent post which also speaks to this: Leading the League in Assists
Here is a poem which also speaks to the idea I was mentioning above. I heard from listening to a podcast of Jon Bowles at Beggars Table Church. It’s the church I attended when I lived in Kansas City.
“Looking For Mt. Monadnock” by Robert Siegel
We see the sign, “Monadnock State Park”
as it flashes by, after a mile or two
decide to go back, “We can’t pass by Mondnock
without seeing it,” I say, turning around.
We head down the side road – “Monadnock Realty,”
“Monadnock Pottery,” “Monadnock Designs,”
but no Mt. Monadnock. Then the signs fall away –
nothing but trees and the darkening afternoon.
We don’t speak, pass a clearing, and you say,
“I think I saw it, or part of it – a bald rock?”
Miles and miles more. Finally, I pull over
and we consult a map. “Monadnock’s right there.”
“Or just back a bit there.” “But we should see it –
we’re practically on top of it.” And driving back
we look – trees, a flash of clearing, purple rock -
but we are, it seems, too close to see it:
It is here. We are on it. It is under us.
derekablaylock
