Awkward Nazarite

Last night I had an awkward moment in my Nazariteness. It has been interesting to figure out how to keep three changes of clothes clean (especially while helping my sister paint her new Habitat for Humanity house). Yesterday, I threw my clothes in the washing machine leaving myself one change of clothes to wear that evening. When I put on my shirt, noticed that I had apparently spilled ice cream on the front of it! The washing machine was still going--no time to dry things before I left for the kids' open house and a meeting with my improv group. In the end, I had to put on my sweatshirt. Besides the fact that it was 80 degrees outside, the general concensus among my improv buddies was that the shirtless zippered hoodie outfit made me look like an extra from the Big Lebowski.

Oh well, it was bound to happen!

One month down...

So, I've finished my first month of the Nazarite vow. My hair is growing out, my clothes are starting to wear a little more, and I'm getting the hang of not using plastic for money.

Truthfully, I really like the three sets of clothes thing. There is a freedom in not having to think about my wardrobe--what I will wear each day. The only thing that is really driving me nuts is nose hair. I constantly feel like I have "bears in my cave" as my kids put it.

Beyond the superfacial, I had an interesting time this weekend. I am part of a small improv comedy group in Durango. This is not a church program, by any means. It has been a great experience to be part of this group, the members of which have become some of my closest friends in the world. This weekend we camped out at a local renaissance faire where we do a mud pit version of our improv act. This was the first time I've had the chance to explain my vow to people outside the church. It was interesting, sort of. To be honest, I don't think they really got it--but it didn't seem stupid to them either.

We talked a lot this weekend about what it means to be a Christian. Recently, one of our members quit the group and the reason he gave was that he was going to church and could no longer participate in some of the more questionable material we get into in our comedy. This was an interesting situation, obviously, since I am a part of the group and a pastor. I asked the remaining members what they thought about me being part of the group and a man of faith. I wanted to know if maybe they saw me as either a total hypocrite, or a person who's faith was irrelevant. It was fascinating to hear their responses. Almost unanimously, the group articulated in ways I could not have scripted that they felt as if my presence in the group had allowed them to rethink their (not so kind) view of Christianity and Christians. They saw no contradiction in my faith and participation because they see me as someone who is secure in his faith and therefore not easily offended. They each expressed a level of comfort with me that they have never felt around Christians.

Needless to say, this was a relief to me. I truly feel that my membership in this group is the perfect illustration of what the life of the Christ-follower should be: walking the line between the world and God's Kingdom in order to develop the authentic relationships required for people to truly experience God's love. Not only do I feel that I get the chance to love on a group of people outside church circles, but I am receiving love from them--some of the most transparent and forgiving love I've ever known. They are teaching me about authentic community even as I am trying to lead an authentic church commuinity.

I'm not entirely sure how this fits with the vow, but it is what's going on as I try my best to fulfill it. It also gives me something to ponder besides, "does pulling a couple nose hairs violate my vow?"

The Vacationing Nazarite

I just got back from my family vacation to California. It was good to see some old friends and show the kids the ocean--where they come from. Oscar was a natural in the waves...makes me wonder if he's gonna hate me for moving to CO someday and ditch us for the beach!

I had plenty of opportunities to try and explain my vow to my friends during this trip. I got quite a bit of positive feedback from people. My friend, Ginger in particular told me how she had decided to observe Lent this year for the same reasons--as a willful act of worship. I think there is going to be a lot of connection with the idea of this vow for people as time goes on. I really hope to be able to be an advocate for this type of worship. I can see how it would appeal to many Christ followers who are looking for an oppotunity to worship God without expecting anything from him but to be honored by us.

I've also discovered that it is really difficult to describe the Nazarite vow to people who are not familiar with the Bible or who are not worshippers of God. I've basically skirted the issue with most of my friends because it is so hard to explain--even though everyone is noticing the facial hair. I have a couple friends, however, who I would like to try and explain it to and see how they respond. I'm still not sure how to do this, since it takes quite a conversation to explain. I'd like to come up with a way to describe what I'm doing without using churchy buzz words or without taking 45 minutes!

The day to day element of this vow is interesting. I never thought I was very inhibited in prayer before, but I am noticing that I feel more open to communication with God because of the vow. I know nothing has changed in God's receptivity to me, but by following through with the vow the line of communication seems less inhibited, if that make sense. Previously, in prayer, I think I've spent a lot of time trying to justify my requests to God--either my worthiness in asking or the worthiness of the request. I find myself saying things now like, "you know my heart, you know where I'm coming from, so you already know why I'm asking you to bless Jan H and her baby..." I'm not sure if I'm expressing myself adequately here, so hopefully someone will offer some insight/feedback.

Bottom line, I am feeling more connected to God from my end of the relationship. I am enjoying the daily reminders that, for the next six months, my priority is worship before anything. Obviously, this is meant to be a pattern for life, but that can so often seem like a nebulous and unreachable concept. This is good.