Divinity Journey – December, 2024
Divinity School Blog #3: 12-23-2024
It is late December and the cold wintery season has taken hold in Northeast Ohio. As I hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I take pictures and videos of the winterscapes, and note the snow-covered bridges, the gurgling river covered in ice, and the crisp air that fills my lungs. I send photos to my siblings and surprisingly, my brother returns one to me: the exact same spot in summer brimming with lush, green foliage, a fuller riverbed and animals at the edge. I audibly gasp due to the stark contrast, and for a few seconds I am wistful for that summertime beauty. But I console myself because of what that photo doesn’t capture: the searing sun, the rampant humidity, and the swarms of mosquitoes that seem to find me whenever I am close to inland waterways. I smile, because we often long for the best versions of past outdoor experiences and routinely fail to remember that every season (and every season of life) has challenges, as well as beauty and mystery.
While I’m on break from divinity school this month, I have made a conscious effort to employ the new paradigm I learned, or a continuum that spans from control to mystery. In my Theology of Healthcare class this past fall, I have had to reimagine the world of medicine where we as providers employ methods both from modern medicine (which focuses on control) and historic faith (which focuses on mystery). In this course I had the privilege of reading some meaningful articles and texts about striving for quality of life in spite of suffering. For some, the desire for control (e.g. fix it at any cost) overshadows a desire for peace (e.g. be still with the pain and ask God to help us) as we manage life expectations. It is not easy to balance, but God has graciously reminded us that He is always there. As we learned at this year’s Blue Christmas service, God promises us in Psalm 34:18 that “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” In other words, our world will always have some suffering, but fear not; while we have the benefits of modern medicine, in addition God walks beside us and strengthens us.
Just like communing with nature, we endure some suffering in order to reach that healthy balance of control and mystery. In winter, our coats, hats, gloves and slower travel times remind us that they are well worth the investment, especially if we want to capture up close the beauty of a frozen waterfall or take in an idyllic, picturesque farmhouse scene with smoke rising from the chimney. Similarly in summer, we must apply sunscreen and insect repellent and bring extra hydration if we want to glimpse mallard duck families building a nest or enjoy the cornucopia of flowers that grace our trees and yards. In every situation, and in every season, we have methods of control that can make life easier to enjoy, but when combined with God’s care and support, allow us to exponentially enjoy life’s beautiful mysteries.
The most beautiful mystery of all is upon us: Christmas. May you be blessed this holiday season and enjoy the beauty and mystery of a newborn baby who God shared with us out of His abundant and abiding love. Peace to you in Christ.
Kathleen
