Recognize. Remember. Learn.

I had the privilege of co-teaching Hermeneutics at MHGS this past Tuesday night. Though I love the content I got to be a part of, even more, I learned something important about myself. I’m sure I already knew it, deep inside, but I’d forgotten: I love to teach and I love this topic!

It helped, of course, that I got to teach on gender – specifically related to Scripture. Little else gets me as fired up. In fact, here’s what I said to Emma and Abby that night when I picked them up: “It’s dangerous to give your mom a microphone!” But what I recognized, remembered, and learned in the midst of it all was that this is definitely what I’m most passionate about. I recognized, remembered, and learned that I need to do it more!

I’ve spoke before on this topic; maybe not quite so focused, but its always my subtext (whether I realize it or not). I’m constantly thinking of (and talking about/writing about) Scripture through the distinct lens of women – wanting to find ways in which a woman’s lens and experience speak directly to the Text and are spoken to through the Text. But to have the opportunity to be in front of about 100 students and talk about what I so love…well…I was spoken to through the Text (and definitely it’s Author). I recognized, remembered, and learned anew that this stuff is “me.” This topic (along with all its tangents) is what brings me life. And I hope that I bring life to it, as well!

How often do we have such clarity? How often do we do something and then allow ourselves to really dream that we might just be able to do/offer more of the same? And maybe even more important, how often do we actually follow through and create even more opportunity for what brings us the most intense experiences of life and energy? Truth be told, it’s a bit scary. It’s far easier to stick with what is known and safe than to venture into passionate territory – whether that’s content or vocation or relationship…

But I don’t want to live a life that’s safe. I want to be smart, of course, but I also want to be risky and adventurous and yes, passionate. So…these past days I’ve been imagining and dreaming about how to speak/write/teach/live again and again in these realms. No answers at this point, but a compelling, unable-to-ignore burning within to step into more…

I’m grateful. I’m passionate. I’m committed. And I believe I’m on to something with all this women-in-Scripture stuff. More to recognize. More to remember. More to learn.