a breath of fresh aire

so we went to portland this weekend - a few people from canvas covenant, that is.

and is it possible to see this sight (multnomah falls),

and not be in awe of the creativity of the divine? i think not.

it was one of those moments when the air couldn't seem more fresh, not only feeling the gifts of gentle rain and light hail falling around us, but also feeling the mist from this great waterfall.

canvas had a significant weekend of dialogue, of which i cannot begin to write it all out (nor would you be interested in hearing all of its content, trust me). however, after spending a weekend talking about the church,

i leave with a familiar burden. it is the longing for more -

the indescribable "more." meant to be an expression of the kingdom, it is not.

in its rare moments, however, it begins to embody this kingdom.

its "greatest moments" are not the moments of the accomplishments of the institutional church, however, but rather the moments in which reconciliation is experienced. reconciliation with those who have formerly been rejected by the church, but are now embraced.

the kingdom rejects legalism and judgmentalism, and rejects the notion that the display of a "godly" moral code is a replacement for the greatest commandment. rather, those who participate in the kingdom of god do justice, to love kindness, and walk humbly with god. how can the church participate in this kingdom of healing, affirmation, and reconciliation? god help us.