daily life as life goes on . . .

“Somewheres” and “anywheres”.  What a way to define people!

These definitions of people are being promoted in Canada at this moment. 

“Somewheres” are people who are grounded – quite literally.  I watch construction shows with my wife.  The ones that I really find interesting are the ones where the host explains the reason for the “build”.  Often times this relates to being born there, or the love of the surroundings, or even just the beauty of the domicile.

A somewhere is willing to maintain a lifestyle – to conserve and preserve.  A somewhere defines by the outward nature.  Life is based in naturalism – the reality is primary.

“Anywheres” are people who are suspended – quite literally.  They are neither from here nor there.  They live in apartments and rental units.  Where they are from is of much less interest than where they are going – going being the operative word.

An anywhere is willing to move into untried definitions of life – to liberally and generously try the new and untried.  An anywhere defines by the inward nature.  Life is based in gnosticism – the knowledge is primary.

Now, that’s all fine and well – and maybe a little too generalized.

How does this play out? 

Certainly in politics – take a look at the recent USA presidential run.  You can probably figure out who’s who.

How about religion?  Take a look at the spread between progressive and conservative churches.  You can probably figure out who’s who.

Where else is this played out???

Three small churches.  Three denominations.

These are just some of the people I have been a part of for the last few months.

One is a restart of a church.  One is leaving their denomination.  One is a completely new start.

My observation?

Each has a hidden excitement. 

The restart wants to return to the foundation.  The “leavers” have found a new path.  The new start wants to be with their neighbours.

That’s the new normal I’m excited about!!

I’ve had great fun watching our current world situation.

Today I heard of someone who listened to a podcast.  They figured this was all a conspiracy.

Then I examined MSM (main stream media) and I wasn’t sure if some of the reporting wasn’t a conspiracy theory.

And now I’m starting my own conspiracy.

It’s called the MANNA THEORY.

Arriving from the wandering of the Jews in the wilderness, the feeding came about through wafers dispersed on the ground each morning (as well as quail arriving unannounced).  They came up with a name for this new normal – or was it a conspiracy – or maybe aliens?

The Israelites called this wafer – Manna.  Meaning, “I DON’T KNOW”.

Martin Rinckart composed a poem in 1636 – “Now thank we all our God”.  About 10 years later the music was composed.  The song has been sung for centuries in churches big and small.

Interesting part?  The song talks of thanking God, of God’s bounty, and blessed peace.

Not sure how you would have taken his circumstances. 

He was a pastor in Eilenberg, Germany as the Thirty Years war was starting.  The walled town became a refugee center.  There was famine as the town was besieged – and poverty.  And the plague rained down upon them.  Martin buried up to 40-50 people a day – in all a total of 4,480 people. 

And these words reigned supreme – NOW, THANK WE ALL OUR GOD!!