Reservoir

“If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. For a canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs.” – Bernard of Clairvaux


I love the church, my church, the United Methodist Church, and I have a fondness for the ecumenical movement.  
I am a young adult.  
Today, that isn't the most common combination out there.  
I hear, read, and see a lot of conversation about what we as a church are doing wrong, or ways to improve, or talk about SIMPLY living out the gospel instead of getting caught up in the bureaucracy of "religion."  I do worry about the future of my church.  (hence why I read the blogs/have the conversations)  Yet I'm not about to jump ship - I'm actually planning on staying aboard (and getting ordained!).  
Culture, context, social location, I'm learning are all major factors in a person seeking and accepting the grace God offers us all.  And even more so - having one's basic needs met.  Without clean water, a steady and strong roof over your families head, access to education - there may be more important things to deal with than a confusing idea of salvation.  
With the advent of the internet at our fingertips, everything from ancient philosophers teachings to Pinterest boards of "Outdoor Inspirations" are even more available than the public library.  Social Media is an integral marketing aspect of our ministries and our churches.  Yet I hear many young adults asking for simplistic ways to "change the world" and spouting a desire to serve others.  While honorable (and I do share these sentiments) I also have a firm belief that true and deep faith (not cheap grace) come with involvement in a christian community.  Discipleship matters.  Our language matters.  From how we talk about God to how we talk to each other.  These concepts are not always simplistic, but are what Jesus calls us to - true relationship.  
We, and when I say we I mean all generations of the church, must respect one another and the wisdom and experience we all share.  Opting out of "religion" isn't the answer.  Using "hip and contemporary" movie clips or music in worship isn't the answer (yet engaging worship is great!) deep relationships are what we all desire, meeting peoples needs is what we are each called to do, and supporting each other in community is a part of our human nature.  
What will I do?  Continue to be idealist I hope.  Continue to seek God and study those who have gone before me to become a reservoir that can last - not a river of the moment.  


May God's peace be with you on your journey.  
your sister in Christ~Erin