Dessert

Are you having dessert?

Everything is good here, however, I do recommend the crème brûlée. It is especially good!

I had my eye on the carrot cake.

That's good, too. Go for it!

You asked if I have plans for the summer? Do you mean return to China? I don't know, yet. I haven't decided. If possible, I would like to lead a group this time. We have already talked about the cross-cultural encounter and how important it is. I would like to encourage it in my school and congregation. Although my college is small they are beginning to develop overseas programs. I have been talking to them about China, however the administration is wary about affiliations with a religious NGO. The school was founded as an independent, non-denominational educational institution and they want to keep it that way. Also they receive support from the state which stipulates a strict separation between church and state. But you find this fear of religion in the academy, in general, where religion is okay as an object of study, one kept at arm's length, but do not get too close to it!

It seems a futile quest to study something without getting too close, especially a subject such as religion. How does one really know what religion is without being religious? Otherwise the tendency is to objectify it and reduce it to epiphenomenon, a secondary effect like a flag fluttering in the wind. It is a violation of the integrity of the religious disposition. While science dissects the world to understand its interconnections, religion tries to hold it all together and preserve the whole.

It reminds me of my childhood. I was great at taking things apart, radios, toys, etc., but never putting them back together again. I would forgot how all the pieces fit together. I think now I am at that stage in my life when I want to put the pieces back together, to complete the task, and make things whole again. However, I realize that I cannot do it by myself!

No we can't! We have a model in Jesus Christ. He is the redeemed Adam, who had begun the process of unraveling the world and himself. It is not likely we can do it in a lifetime. However we can live the promise that such an outcome is possible and will happen one day.

How does one hang on to such a promise? Looking around the world today and its history, it is very discouraging and seems impossible.

For every horrible thing happening in the world, there is something beautiful happening. The promise is already happening. It is there in nature and in every kind and loving act. The kindom is in our midst. We just chose not to see it!

Yes, we are blind!

Would you like an espresso?

Just a regular coffee is good for me, thanks.