Is it just me or is a healthy work ethic subtly being questioned? Check out this quote from Mark Yaconelli’s new book – Contemplative Youth Ministry – “In contrast to our lives of spinning isolation is Jesus' life of relationship and presence. Jesus presence, his capacity to love and be with people, is transformative. (good so far) You can see it in the way he listens, shares food, spends time, weeps, walks touches, responds, and cares for others. (yup so far so good) He enjoys being with God. his ministry doesn't come from a preplanned formula but instead arises in response to the real situations and relationships he encounters. (really - so the Son of God has no real agenda?)...Jesus is generous, patient, kind… Contemplative Youth Ministry is an invitation to slow down...”
Now don't get me wrong I know what Mark is getting at. Some times we are too busy to notice the real needs around us.
I find it hard to maintain a view of Christ as a slow dude. You know latte at ten – get dressed at noon – nap – do lunch at 2 - - - -
I have no trouble at all supporting a very busy – Jesus. He did a lot of stuff. The disciples lost weight on his day timer.
So stop already with the lolli-gagging Jesus who wanders around all patient. Stop with the moaning and groaning about how technology is making us too busy pay attention to God. We get the point already. Sure patience is a virtue but that is not the same as sloth.
Youth workers are far too often criticized for what basically amounts to laziness. "What do you do all day?" We also have this penchant for running around like headless chickens with little clue of what we are trying to accomplish.
I like Mark's book because it gets at some areas of youth ministry that often go untouched. But I am not impressed with suggesting that Jesus was a slow dude as a way to support this notion.
Back at it...
2 comments:
Amen. On the other hand far too many pastors and other types see it as a badge of honour to have a day-timer packed so full there is no time to reflect on life. Cause it is the reflection that produces wisdom.
As one who lives the frenetic life for 10 months and the slow and the easy going life for two, I can tell you that there are plusses and minusses to both lifestyles. In either case, it's the impact that you have on peoples' lives that counts (real people that is - the ones Jesus sought out). This can be done at either pace however, I've found myself to be more effective at the faster clip.
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