The great divide

I travelled from the west side of the country today to the east to attend a couple of church meetings. Leaving a grey, dreich town I was soon enveloped in a snowy wonderland. The contrast was startling.
As was the first meeting. I felt like a rabbit caught in the headlights as I was confronted by accomplished theologians well used to navigating weighty doctrinal documents seeking my input in response to yet another ecumenical vision statement on journeying together.
On first reading of the document, the text that had caught my imagination was the notion, from the Toronto Declaration of 1950 that "the WCC challenges the churches to recognise that the membership of the church of Christ is more inclusive than their own church body."
I have often sought refuge in Christ's inclusiveness, especially on the numerous occasions that I've felt like an alien in my own denomination.
Today was one such day.
Not, I hasten to add, because people were not kind or loving but because I felt, as is becoming more common, that I exist on some parallel universe.
So - I have long been aware that my skills are not in planning or in administration - attention to detail is not one of my strengths.
Today I felt those two glaring omissions in my makeup combining to compound my inadequacy.
It's not always a disaster to feel out of one's depth. It is, rather, for all its discomfort,an opportunity for growth.
But - here's hoping that the rest of the week brings some affirmation of the gifts with which God has blessed me!
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