Over the past few years - through conversations with summer teams, with teammates, with friends from home - God has shown me how my tendency is to come across an issue, form an opinion about it, file it away as dealt with, and move on. Through these conversations, I've learned that in following Jesus we're not called to positions, or rules, or laws, but that we're called to love.
I remember one summer in particular when we hashed out different sides to many touchy issues and discovered that God wasn't calling us to either "side," but to learn to live in what we described as a tension. A tension born out of knowing that following Jesus is so much bigger than checking off a list of requirements and comparing our lives to all the do's and don'ts. A tension formed from living each day listening to the Holy Spirit and responding out of that love - knowing that sometimes my actions won't always match up to everyone else's do's and don'ts.
Living in this tension, listening to the Holy Spirit, I still have so much to learn and grow, but it's a tough journey that I want to make. I want to love well. I want to follow Jesus - not just stick to a set of boiled-down conclusions and ethics.
A few weeks ago, a friend had us listen to a few tracks from Derek Webb's new CD. I think I've listened to it just about every day since. There are several powerful songs on the CD that I could blog about (it you want to listen to a couple for free or watch the video for "A New Law", check out his myspace.)
His song, A New Law captures the heart of this message that God keeps bringing me back to. Check it out:
A New Law
words and music by derek webb
(vs. 1)
don'’t teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don'’t teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music
don't teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law
(pre-chorus)
i don'’t wanna know if the answers aren't easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me
(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law
(vs. 2)
don't teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice
don't teach me about loving my enemies
don't teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law
(bridge)
what'’s the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
About 3 weeks ago, my Mom spoiled me and took me on a quick trip to Rome with her best friend Gail and her daughter Adrienne. We had a blast - 4 women hauling it all over Rome with lots of laughs. 
Here we all are in Florence on the Ponte Vecchio - my Mom, Adrienne, Gail, me, and Father Sal. Florence was another great day - seeing all kinds of things that I've only ever read about in history class was pretty cool. Being there with my mom and great friends - even better.
