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May 29, 2006
Home?
The plan was to slip into a back pew right as the service was starting. I wasn't there to be seen. In fact, if I could have chosen been invisible, I probably would have done so. But I was seen as soon as I walked in the door. Perhaps I should timed my entrance a few minutes later. But, as it turned out, there was nothing awkward about being seen.
My return to my old church in Omaha was greeted with hugs and smiles. I should have expected nothing less from the congregation recognized by many for it's welcoming members.
Suddenly, I simply forgot that I hadn't been there in almost two years. Yes, the babies were now toddlers. I wasn't quite sure what the procedure was for communion. There have been a couple of major staff changes. I suppose most of the congregaion didn't even consider the building to be "new" anymore. But I noticed nothing other than the refreshing sensation of being home. Especially when taking the wine and hearing, "Blood of Christ, shed for you, Megan."
As wonderful as this experience was, I still have some nagging concerns about it. Is it okay to find solace in the familiar? Is it good to feel nearer to God in a certain building? Is it right to take comfort in creeds and recited prayers?
The message was on Acts 1 -- the naming Matthias to take Judas's place as the twelfth disciple. The only criteria for this leader was that he knew Jesus (v 21-22). Leaders of a church shouldn't be chosen based on IQ or charisma, but all that matters for leaders and members of a church is faith in Christ. This concept seems so simple, but then I wonder, "does my faith live up?" I'm ashamed at how easily circumstances in life make me question, doubt, or even get angry at God. And then, when I take the wine, all it takes for me to feel close to God again is to hear "Blood of Christ, shed for you, Megan." I'm weak.
This has turned into about twelve different entries combined into one -- probably because I'm hot and tired. (I think I'm going to have to give in and run the AC soon.) Perhaps I'll post something more coherent tomorrow.
Posted by Megan at 09:41 PM | Comments (1)
May 07, 2006
Marionette
This is not
right. This is supposed to be
poetic -- melodic at least, if not
profoundly so.
This should be
rife with meaning, or
sensical, if nothing
else. Has the puppeteer dropped
the strings, be
it out of disinterest
or spite? I search
for a white flag
but find only chutes
and ladders.
Posted by Megan at 10:26 PM | Comments (1)
May 02, 2006
de-odor-RANT
The other morning, when applying deodorant, I noticed the scrape of plastic edges against my armpit. This could only mean one thing: time to buy more deodorant.
I stopped at Wal-mart on my way home from work that evening. After wandering through half of the store, I finally found the deodorant section. I was awe-struck at how much shelf space was consumed by the plethora of brands, scents, and strengths. Fortunately, I knew exactly what I wanted.
First I found the Arrid section. Then I scanned it for the clear ones. Next, however, came the crisis: there were no clear solids! The solids were all white, and the clears were all gel.
After much bewilderment, I gave up and scanned for a clear solid in other brands. I ended up settling on Secret Platinum, Glacier Mist scent. It is a clear solid with the same percentage of aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly (the active ingredient) as my Arrid, so I could be certain that it was strong enough to be effective.
Upon use the next day, however, I discovered that the scent, though pleasant, was about 10 times as strong as my Arrid. Not only that, it wasn't my scent. I smelled strongly of something not me. I couldn't stand it.
I stopped at Hy-Vee on the way home and purchased my beloved Arrid Extra Dry Invisible Solid - Morning Clean scent. I figured that it would be more expensive since non-food products tend to be pricy at Hy-Vee, but it rang up at a buck cheaper than my Secret from Wal-Mart.
I'm now convinced that brand loyalty is a powerful thing -- and so is the scent of deodorant. Or the scent of the lack of deodorant as well, for that matter.
Posted by Megan at 06:27 PM | Comments (4)