September 21, 2009 Bountiful harvests
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art & kids
"I have learned
that what I have not
d r a w n
I have never
r e a l l y
S E E N."
-frederick frank
I pen this on the first page of my journals now.
Since mostly what I draw are my kids, and as they're ever-changing, it's a good reminder to pay attention.
We homeschool our 4 kids, so I've got a lot of time to Really See them. People are always asking, "What's a day in your life like?" I'm learning that homeschooling is more living than I knew one could have in 24 hours, hence the "life-in-a-day" title. This journal attempts to answer that question.
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Just a Comment Reply I felt like posting here
Hello Michael,
Sorry not to have replied sooner -though I don't do much exchange via this blog
(which, incidentally, is why I took off your comment - no insult intended at all),
Since you asked...
Basically, I think I've learned there's a large difference between what you and I would call organized religion and the attempt at being a Christian -something at which I am still trying.
Now preaching can be useful, though as you probably glean from my Wonderings, our church set-up often trips us right up. As for the flock part -when it is true- it's a beautiful thing, especially in this day where Networks override our Community (for more on this idea, see:http://www.spinninglobe.net/lesschool.htm) -and I, for one, weep to see it's importance de-valued. Don't think brainless-herding, think hearts-communing.
Your moments of stillness have their place -and lots of it, and so does joining with the Body. I agree with you wholeheartedly -more than I can say here- on the distraction from the point that the building has managed to provide. Certainly there is mindless repetition of prayers, but also there is a thoughtfulness in a focusing of the mind -different religions and denominations approach this in widely-diverging ways. I guess what I'm saying is that maybe it doesn't have to be Either Or (Creation Appreciation vs. Cathedral Chanting) -there's lots in between.
As for Jesus. Hmm. Here's where I think I am:
A) Have guidance for me on deep living? Throw it at me. The whole reason for this journal is my delving into ideas and thinking beyond what we accept unquestioningly. You are right, there are a lot of great messages out there.
B) Every body, every organization needs to have a focus. Wether it's an individual creed to live by or a business positioning statement -to be effective, it's necessary to know our mission, right? From one graphic designer to another, it's pretty hard to design something sensible, let alone attention-grabbing, if we don't know the background of the company or audience for which we're designing. Right. So here's the rub. I don't think it's possible to have some small lick at God without accepting His whole package -or at least giving it a good swallow. So the minute I acknowledge there's a "Creation" or that things have been "designed," or even that our lives tell a story, I find myself wondering about the "Creator" and the "Designer" and the "Author" -and then there's a lot to think about.
Go ahead -"be turned off by organized religion"- I am. I'm just not sure again that that's all that's up for contemplation -God doesn't necessarily equal what we pitiful creatures see in our measly human interpretation of Him.
Michael Rowley just commented on the post "September 13, 2009 Pagan Christianity?" on Life in a Day
Pagans get a bad wrap. I like the concept of a spiritual community, but am turned off by 'organized' religion and especially being preached to and being part of a 'flock'. I find the whole idea of enlightenment works better in small groups or even alone in a quiet place or in nature. A day with loved ones on a picnic or camping seems so much more rewarding than in an (often opulent) building repeating prayers.
As for Jesus, why focus on him when there are so many people with powerful messages on living a meaningful life?
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church and community
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