Homebodies - ‘How then shall I live?’
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- Published on Saturday, February 13, 2016
By Rita Friesen
The Neepawa Banner
Years ago, I was impressed with the writing of Rudy Wiebe, “Peace Shall Destroy Many.’ The story is set in a rural area of the prairie provinces. He examines how the people following the teachings of Menno Simons practiced their faith in a community with different cultures. The question arises – how then shall we live?
In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel is sent to challenge the people of God to live righteously. This is the source of the articulated questions, slight variation – ‘How then can we live?’ That question troubled me then and troubles me still.
Linnea Good is a singer/songwriter and this week, after a challenging time of service, I slipped her CD into the car player. First song – ‘How then Shall I Live’! I had been offered the opportunity to interact with an individual not of my culture, not faith family. The time together was intense and exhausting. I felt that for that moment I had met another’s need without compromising my integrity and core values. “Took a walk outside of my walking, stepped into another’s shoes.” And those shoes were well worn, down at the heels and uncomfortable. But I was able to walk outside of my walking, walking alongside a hurting souls and spirit. “Saw the world outside of my looking, gazed upon the eyes of its soul, felt the hopes and fears of tomorrow, found the pieces making a whole.” I am most comfortable looking at the world outside of my window! I am at ease with creation and the Creator, and here I was looking outside of my looking. Way, way, out of my comfort zone. I was amazed and relieved that I experienced not fear in the intense conversation. I met the gaze of a troubled soul, sensed the anguish, and felt compassion. Another verse of the song starts with “heard a sound outside of my listening, felt the living hum of the ground, waited on the voice of the Spirit singing with its new-old sound.” I love those words! The call of the Spirit, for me the Spirit of my God, is a new-old sound. I would never have thought of those words, but I claim them! I relied on that voice for guidance, for knowing what to say and when to be silent. Listened very carefully!
I was awed when I realized how long my being has searched for the answer to the question – my question – how then shall I live? What is my purpose and call? How do I best use the time and space allotted to me, to make a difference in my world? If I am not at peace, if I am not following, to the best of my ability, the knowledge entrusted to me, how then can I live?
I have not memorized anything for years, but I am working of the lyrics of this song. Thinking I may need them again. And again.
