I Never Thought of It That Way

Before starting my current adventure as the pastor of the Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County, I had the great joy of serving as the pastor for Lutherhill Ministries. Lutherhill is a camp and retreat center just north of La Grange. Every summer, happy campers come to the Hill for a week of faith and fun in the great outdoors. Every summer, we select a theme to guide times of study, worship and prayer.

In the summer of 2018, Lutherhill explored the theme of ‘Wonder’ - God’s divine invitation to ask bold questions and engage in meaningful conversations. This practice is guided by the psalmist’s invitation, “Take a good look at God’s wonders, they’ll take your breath away” (Psalm 66:5), the wisdom from Proverbs, “trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) and Jesus’ own inclination to answer many questions with even more questions.

Campers and staff of every age approached each day with a sense of holy curiosity - wondering what new thing God might reveal today. It was incredibly liberating for many, and unbearably frustrating for others. Those with more analytical minds simply wanted to know the right answer. Nevertheless, wonder persisted – encouraging curiosity over certainty. Wonder continues to be a pivotal piece of my own spiritual practice. Wonder inspires me to ask bold questions and engage in meaningful conversations. Wonder compels me to connect with people that think differently and find common ground.

In his book, “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know,” Adam Grant encourages people to ‘think again’ about all the tried-and-true certainties of their lives. Grant gives examples in science, medicine, technology and industry of brilliant leaders who miss the mark because they lack the flexibility to re-consider what they have always known to be true. Grant writes, “If knowledge is power, then knowing what you don’t know is wisdom.” He invites us to reconsider our values, placing curiosity over certainty and humility over pride.

In a recent conversation with a new friend, the topic tilted toward politics. I squirmed in my seat a bit and then decided to lean into the conversation. After an hour of hearty listening, I realized - I had never thought of it that way. I had learned something new, and my understanding of a complex issue expanded. Perhaps you have neighbors, colleagues or friends who know with certainty that they are absolutely right about something. Perhaps you are the one holding steadfast to your one right way to understand the world. I wonder, what would happen if, instead of certainty and pride, we approach one another with curiosity and humility?

Or, in the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love … grant that I may not so much seek … to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.”