Jubilee

I have yet to write about my reflections on Spring break and the To Write Love on Her Arms Event, but before I do, I want to go back a month and “chew” on some of the words shared at the Jubilee Conference.

Jubilee brought together speakers from all over the US to share how they apply their faith to their everyday lives and how God uses them to bring His Kingdom to earth. I had the privilege of going to this conference for free because I was promoting Geneva’s grad programs, lucky me.

Makoto Fujimura, founder of the International Arts Movement, captured my full attention with every word he spoke. He gave me a new perspective about ENGAGING in life. Many times I focus on practical things (what I have to do), which causes me to miss the beautiful extravagance of fully connecting in life. Fujimura illustrated this concept with the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead-

When Jesus arrived at the grave of Lazarus, he already knew of the miracle he was about to perform. Yet, when he saw all who were mourning, He WEPT with them. He took the time to connect with those he loved, to engage with them at a deeper level. He could have been a “problem-solver” and saved them the grief right away. But, he waited. He shared their pain.

As I am in the process of becoming a counselor, I need to remind myself that I don’t have to be so quick to problem solve. When I am struggling with something, I desire to be understood, to be accepted, and to be loved despite my problems. Only then, do I start to feel confident in my ability (or better yet, God’s ability) to overcome. Counseling starts with a deeper connection and a willingness to experience the other person’s life.

I am also reminded of the story of the woman who poured perfume over Jesus. When the people saw what she was doing they said, “what a waste, it could have been sold and the money could have been given to the poor.” But she saw past practicality, she had an opportunity to fully partake in God and give Him everything she had.

Life is an opportunity. Every moment presents an occasion to engage in something more. Whether it be taking advantage of the beautiful gift of nature, or in a conversation, or in, well, anything. As I go to school, I have to fight the temptation of meagerly fulfilling the minimal amount of work possible. I can, instead, take advantage of the years of counseling experience that the professors offer and engulf myself with knowledge of the field. As I go to church, I have an opportunity to love and be loved by a community. As I work, I can serve my boss with the best of my ability, going beyond expectations.

"Psalm 121" Makoto Fujimura

When Fujimura paints, it’s extremely time consuming and costly. Art is not practical, it’s an extravagance. It cultivates something deeper from within us. It’s kind of like the Christian faith.

The Christian life is not practical.

It’s costly.

It’s risky.

It may seem like a waste.

The concept of ‘just getting by” doesn’t exist.

Yet, I wouldn’t want to live any other kind of life.

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