Mellowed or Decomposed

For me, a great variety of current concerns and memories both of recent and long-ago events have swirled around the question of what one does when something in a current situation seems untenable for some reason.  This post will be a ramble through some of those situations.  If God blesses with insight and the ability to communicate, the rambles will lead us to a worthwhile destination, if not in this post, perhaps in a later one.

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I'll start with an unusual announcement we heard this morning in church.  It was about laughter in church.  I wrote about that topic here a  long time ago, after a sermon by Eli Yoder of Glays, VA.  Twila neatly summarized the announcement in the handout we get in our mailboxes after the service:  "The ministers have had some discussion about laughter in church.  Their goal is that people are involved and responsive; they also advise moderation."  In making the announcement, Gary reminded us that we're not the only ones present in a church service, and none of us want our actions to interfere with another's worship.

I appreciate this gentle approach to calling attention to the matter of decorum in church--where one person's enthusiastic affirmation can be another's disturbance.  It's exactly the kind of situation that calls for gentle guidance--not heavy-handed prohibitions or bold initiatives.

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One thing came immediately to mind--the comment Milo Z. made at the beginning of the sermon last week.  He commended us for the atmosphere he senses in our worship.  Words I recall from his commendation are "freedom in the spirit" and "decently and in order."

His sermon followed a devotional on worship that Joseph H. helpfully recalled for us again this morning by citing the main points.  Scripture, by example and injunction, when it speaks of our responsibility in worship, focuses on effort, preparation, and perfection.  Joseph went on to read several Scriptures and then had Shane lead in a time of singing for the remainder of the devotional time.  It was a good, worshipful time.

Just for the record, someone reminded me today that we had chuckled several times through Arlyn's devotional on worship--before Milo's comment.  It tells me that he, at least, did not find the chuckles offensive, but rather part of a desirable worship atmosphere.

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The "we're not the only ones present" part of the laughter announcement reminded me of what I've made a policy in the classroom--people do not open or close windows or adjust the blinds or start a fan without first checking with others in the room to see what is comfortable also for them.  If a teacher is present, that's the first person to check with.  I usually check with other students to see if the change is OK and  it usually happens, with a little direction often making it more pleasant for everyone.  Please turn the fan so it blows up or Open only the window on the right or Open it only several inches.

Observation reveals that moderation is not the natural tendency.  Crank those windows wide open.  Lower the blind all the way.  Adjust the slats of the blind to blackout position. High school students often operate near the limits.  I hope that in a small way reminders for consideration and moderation in the classroom help students in life outside of school--even extending to things like laughing in church.

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Our principal once commented mildly about a student, describing that person as "wanting to exercise a lot of control over [his or her] environment."  That put a finger on tendencies all of us had observed--irritation with other "mere mortals," unhappiness about participating in group activities,  and a fairly grim approach to school life in general.

Wishing to control one's environment too stringently is not conducive to functioning well, enjoying good relationships, or nurturing a spirit of optimism.  As noted earlier, however, doing things decently and in order, with consideration for others, often calls for some reminders to rein in excesses and exercise initiatives cautiously.  Operating near the limits is often not a good policy, especially when it involves exercising control over our environment.

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In an earlier post I referred to something I lament--a growing tendency in our community for privately-planned, outside-the-main-group gatherings, to which others are selectively invited.  This post refers to some of the reasons why I think such activities can be problematic:

1.  It can involve an unhealthy focus on creating an ideal environment instead of a humble willingness to contribute helpfully in an existing environment--a desire to control the atmosphere, if you please.

2.   Considerable freedom does already exist in the format of our public services and the services are a blessing to many--as is true also of whole-group youth activities.  I can't imagine that it can entirely be blamed on "the system" if not everyone finds these activities to their liking and opts for non-participation or replacing it with a different activity.  The atmosphere is hardly the only variable operating here. Creating an atmosphere "near the limits" for a significant number of those in the whole group is not in anyone's best interests, as I see it, at least if it must be done via heavy-handed directives or bold initiatives.

3.   Reaching out to one's neighbors and sharing Christ outside of church does happen regularly, I believe.  It's not an either/or matter--familiar, traditional activities or outreach.  It can be both/and.

4.  Sunday School classes are a sub-group within the larger group where a lot of personal interchange can occur. Investment in that subgroup and in the time spent together is something I find very rewarding.

5.  Hearing repetition of familiar truths can be a help to Christian growth and not a hindrance to it.  Jesus demonstrated how familiar shared knowledge can form the basis for deepening and extending understanding when he said:  "Ye have heard . . . , but I say unto you . . . "

Reading back over the above list reminds me of some of the things that I consider "right" in our church/community's identity, although I didn't set out to compile such a list.

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This post has languished on the composing screen for a week, and I'm afraid it hasn't improved with age.  At least I hope it hasn't been decomposing during that time.  "Mellowing" has a nicer ring.