Inviting Invasion

Your kingdom come. God is altogether other. His kingdom is a rule of love. This kingdom comes as more and more people surrender to his rule in their work, play, relationships — all of life. That seems other. That seems like one culture invading another. With God-like, Jesus-like love, of course!

Litmus

This is the happiest time of year for our hydrangeas. As the blooms open wide, they look bright and fresh. The flowers are fascinating. Their color reveals something about the soil they're planted in. Pink blooms indicate an alkaline soil. Blue ones, a more acidic pH. It's like litmus paper in chemistry class, only reversed. Our presentation to others has litmus qualities as well. What ground are we rooted in: the world or God's kingdom?

What's in the Bowl?

During a spring trip, my wife and I purchased a glass bowl. It's colorful and handmade. When I turn the bowl upside down, nothing falls out. Does that make it empty? I have been learning to think about this question differently.

My wife and I travel to the mountains each spring for a writer's conference. These trips have been an annual highlight for us. It's a chance to get away as a couple, and the conference feeds our love for words. We purchased this bowl during our most recent trip. Our enjoyment of these weekends and these conferences is in the bowl.

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We purchased the bowl at a market showcasing locally-crafted goods. Baskets, furniture, woodcrafts, Fiesta tableware, glass, candles, needlework, metalwork, paintings, and more. This outlet has a museum-like quality, complete with a top-notch dining menu, which we have enjoyed several times. It's here that we purchased the bowl, and all of that is in the bowl.

Most of the glass items on offer are handmade. Many are made onsite, including our bowl. Visitors can see the hot kilns where glass is worked and classes are taught. A little research reveals that the master craftsman's name is John. He's married to Susan, and they have a daughter, Holly. John has been working with glass for more than 25 years. That's in the bowl.

I was born in those mountains, and my ancestors lived there for many generations. Some were farmers, some shopkeepers. One of my grandfathers was a coal miner. The other delivered ice before becoming mayor and water commissioner for their small town. Nostalgia for that place and my people are all in the bowl.

Then there's the potential. What else will we put in the bowl? Where will it land when it's no longer ours? All of these possibilities are in the bowl.

I am learning that Things are much more than just things, thanks to Esther Lightcap Meek, who inspired this post with her book Doorway to Artistry. This is in the bowl, too.