One thing that is misleading about the journal of our gatherings that I include on this blog is your potential inference that participating in gatherings is the core of my life as a Jesus follower.
It is not. Very far from it.
Jesus talked regularly about repentance and righteousness. He spoke so rarely about church that three of the four Gospels don't even mention the word. Further, He didn't form anything close to a church among His disciples during His ministry. And, when He talked about building the church, He wasn't talking about a group of people who met for anything like a so-calle "worship service."
For us, and by us I mean for Evie and me in particular, gathering is one means to the end of living in the world according to the teachings of Jesus and preparing ourselves for the Day when the Son of Man will return in His glory and separate sheep from goats and say to some, many of whom will be surprised to hear Him say it, "Away from me you evildoers."
Gathering, as I said, is only one means toward that end. It certainly is not the most important means toward that end.
Today, we are on vacation. We are staying in a small condo on the bay on the west side of Ocean City, Maryland. And, we will not look for a Sunday Morning show at which we could be consumers of religious products and services.
In fact, I, at least, celebrate the fact that we will probably spend much of the day in isolation from other people, resting our overwrought introverted selves.
I have mentioned several times lately how tired I am. Paul advised the Galatians not to become weary in doing good and, I am weary. It's time to become restored, as Jesus Himself often sought restoration.
A coworker quoted Socrates to me on Friday: "Know thyself."
I learned a long time ago that extroverts rest by being with people. Introverts rest by being away from people.
Living a life that could be understood, in the Christendom way of thinking, of church planters, and attending as many as three gatherings a week in addition to working full time jobs and caring for aged parents who can't remember yesterday is a strain for our-hyper-introverted selves. And, we are thankful for the opportunity to be at a great distance from the rest of the world for just a few days.
So, today will be a day of rest. And, because of that, of no Sunday morning show, not even a gathering.
Ahhhhhh!
To this moment, it hits the spot.
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