I had a dream this week. It was our last day in England, and we were in Bath. Bath is built on a lengthy descending slope to a river. Near the bottom, just above the river, the Romans in A.D. 100 built the baths, famous for their mineral content, their warm water and for healing. The original spa, hence the name of the city.
In my dream, we had parked the car at the top of the hill, and were walking through the streets of the city, down towards the baths. I was anxious about spending too much time there, and ready to start our return to London, and back home. All this happened on our last day, and repeated in my dream.
But then everything changed. As we walked down through the city, we would meet people. I remember expecting to have to 'deal' with them, perhaps because they were owners of shops all over the city, or because they were residents busy with their day, or maybe they were tourists like us - pushing an agenda. But everyone we met had only one agenda. They were kind, joyful, unhurried, and genuinely glad to see us. It was exactly the opposite of what I expected.
Several times moving down through the city we came to people and asked for help. I cannot remember what we needed - just that I was working on some project. I remember thinking that it would be impossible to get help, but then people flowed out of shops and homes to come alongside and pitch in. Again they were cheerful and glad to join us, and things started to happen and go up right before our eyes. People were creating goodness together with glad and generous hearts - and there was nothing else that mattered. It was exactly the opposite of what I expected.
I remember walking away from our car; the further down we went, the more I worried about getting lost. But as people kept responding to us this way, instead of lost, we knew that we were found. I was worried about getting home, and thought we were getting farther away as we went down the hill. But the further down we went, I knew that we were getting closer to home, not further away. I was afraid I was going to get exhausted, but I was getting stronger. I didn't want to go down the hill, because my car was at the top. But the lower I went, the closer to home I was. I said to myself in the dream, "this is exactly backwards."
I knew what it was, after a while. I was walking down (no other way to get there) into the Kingdom of God; where everyone had gladly given up their own self-kingdoms for the sake of His Kingdom. No one was manipulating, no one was grouchy, no one was angry, pushing people into an agenda of their own. Everyone was glad and happy with God and joyous with what He wanted. And it turned everything upside down. After a while there was a palpable sense of joy that filled and lifted us, flowing like a living and warm stream through our hearts and spirits. I laughed and laughed and woke up happy in my heart.
During our (non-dreaming) visit to Bath, the Anglican Abbey at the bottom of the hill had a remarkable Holy Table, covered with this frontal, taken from the River of Life in Revelation 22. (See Becca's blog - July 19th - for better comments on this)
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city ... and the Spirit and the bride say "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."
Photo Albums
What I am Reading in '08
Frederica Mathewes-Green: The Illumined Heart: Capture the Vibrant Faith of Ancient Christians
'What did previous generations of Christians know that we don't' about living in Christ? That is the question Frederica pursues in this little book, and one that I have been pursuing for years. Her answers come straight from the heart of Eastern Orthodoxy. For over 30 years a part of my own family history (my brother converted to Orthodox monasticism in his undergraduate years), this book was a helpful re-introduction to the wisdom of Orthodoxy about living in Christ and spiritual formation, including theosis, the centrality of repentance, the importance of the mind (nous) and heart in ascetic spirituality and the Jesus Prayer. Well written and accessible; thank you, Frederica! (****)Rory Stewart: The Places In Between
The bestselling story of Rory Stewart's trek across Afghanistan, following the steps of Afghanistan's first emperor, Babur, through the harsh inner mountain passageway. The book is a vivid introduction to an ancient culture in a modern world, and to the still strong rural roots of modern conflicts. Well worth the read; Stewart at the same time sees and notes things I would miss, and misses things I would have loved to lingered upon. Maybe part of that comes because he walks so fast! (***)John G. West: Darwin Day In America: How Our Politics and Culture Have Been Dehumanized in the Name of Science
"The definitive scholarly critique" of Darwinian scientific materialism and its social impact in the West. Well researched, full of facts and illustrative anecdotes, and expansive in its sweep, John West traces the impact of Darwin and his successors as they have impacted legal practice, educational policy, economic theory, and life issues. This book shed essential light on broad and familiar tracks of life in America by framing them within the contest between scientific materialism and theistic creationism. An excellent read and resource. (****)Jaroslav Pelikan: Acts (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)
Of the three commentaries I used this year in preaching through Acts (Stott, Rackham & this) - Pelikan was the most help in diving in deep to the theological currents flowing in Acts. Great work. (*****)Timothy Keller: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
Keller is one of the best at linking the wisdom of the Bible with the currents of culture. Just starting it...John Muir: Meditations of John Muir: Nature's Temple
Wonderful episodes of reflection. Muir can listen with the heart to the voice of God in the creation.John Muir: The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures
I have missed Muir since I worked through a reader 3 years ago. Great book, giving exciting episodes across the range of his years. You can catch the wildness. (****)Peter Connolly: The Jews in the Time of Jesus: A History
Background reading for my upcoming trip to Israel in June. Already learning a lot! (****)William P. Young: The Shack
The story of a God who heals life's deepest tragedies. A stunning read, a grace book. (****)Dallas Willard: Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
I am working through this for the 3rd time, especially revisiting the chapters on the Kingdom and putting this into practice in the local congregation. Dallas' 2002 book on the process of becoming Christlike, including chapters on the transformation of the thought life, emotions, will, character, body, relationships and the soul. (*****)Dallas Willard: The Divine Conspiracy : Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God
Foundational work on understanding the transformational processes of Christianity, with a focus on the transformation of the heart. (****)
My Take on Anglican Issues
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July 23, 2005
Comments
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What a joy it was to be with you all, Karen, and to meet you! We will see more of each other in due time, and I will be glad for that.
Geoff
Posted by: Geoff Chapman | August 08, 2005 at 11:35 PM
I enjoyed reading about your dream and loved the photos, especially those of the ancient gothic cathedrals. Your blog is on my favorites list!
Thank you again for your very inspiring message on the Feast of the Transfiguration at Christ and The Epiphany in East Haven. It was great meeting you. I wish you every blessing on your sabbatical.
Pax Christi,
CTMom
Posted by: CTMom | August 07, 2005 at 04:39 PM
You have great taste in books, I have many of the same ones on my shelf :)
Posted by: Layla | July 28, 2005 at 10:59 PM
I did not know that story, Laura. Thanks! I will take a good look, next time. I am looking forward to seeing that river in person one day. Sometimes I can just catch its scent, just hear its rush.
And thanks for your prayers.
Posted by: Geoff Chapman | July 25, 2005 at 07:23 PM
Geoff, River of Life: In the sacristy at St. Stephen's are windows given in memory of a 7-year old girl who died in Rochester, NY of a strep throat back when there were no antibiotics. The family buried her in a mausoleum in a cemetery in Rochester. When this family -- the Stevens -- when the husband was transferred to Pittsburgh in the 50's they moved the child over to the Sewickley Cemetery and donated the windows to St. Stephen's -- and they were installed in the sacristy. They are wonderful! Way back in the early 80's when we were researching these windows -- there was no information anywhere. We searched the old bulletins, old annual reports, the memorial book. Finally, we picked up the phone and called all the families named Stevens. We found the mother of the child -- homebound in her late 80's!!! And she told us the story. It could have been lost.
Everytime I go into the sacristy -- which is not often -- I look at the wonderful windows reminding me (us) of the living waters of life -- and know that beautiful little girl is with Jesus in heaven.
Note them again when you return -- as I am sure you have already.
Blessings to all of you. We have enjoyed reading your thoughts, about your trips. The Sunday night prayer group (amongst others)pray for you all daily -- and every Sunday evening and miss Becca. Love and blessings to you and Becca.
Deacon Laura
Posted by: | July 24, 2005 at 11:33 PM