On Being

I was talking to a friend about this blog and she said “Well, it’s all about you, Jill.” The way I heard it made me go, “ew.” Because if it comes across all about me, I am doing something wrong. It’s from my particular lens of life, because how could it be from anyone else’s? But it is supposed to be about Being Human. If I write and nothing ever resonates for those of a different lens, again, something ain’t right. It’s accurate to say that my particular experiences won’t resonate with many who aren’t either white, or a Mom of boys or an eventual divorcee. Of course not. I am positing through my blog that some things are common to all. Not everything, all the time for everyone. But some.

This thing called life is such an enormous gift! It’s really fun. But the thing that makes it the most fun, that makes it a “real” experience seems to be the thing that boggles the mind the most.
Experiencing the myriad connections to… other humans.

William Paul Young, the author of the Shack, is in constant discussion with other theologian types over his portrayal of God as a Trinity. You may not know what that is, but you’ve heard it; the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. As wordy as I am, I couldn’t possibly explain his actual theology or the other gazillion interpretations and debates over the Trinity. The point he makes that I like is that the Creator of human life has always been in relationship. Whether what he says or believes or if anyone agrees with it or not is not my point.

I like it because, in my experience of being human, it doesn’t work without other beings. Or maybe that there is a world of difference between being a live person and being alive. Well, actually, it works a whole helluvalot better without anyone else. Alone, life can be clean and neat and tidy and habitual. Like a hobbit.

I love The Hobbit. Sitting in his chair, smoking his pipe minding his own business, Bilbo Baggins is descended upon by a crowd of unruly dwarves. The movie scenes of this initial encounter were a crack up. I felt for him as his neat and tidy hobbit hole was practically razed. I was impressed when he was able to leave home and hearth to help them out. Straightaway the Hobbit was put upon. Endangered. Roughed up. Afraid. Hungry. Dirty. Attacked. Laughed at. Weak-kneed. Homesick. Out-of-sorts. Sad.

Sounds like he should have stayed home, yeah? Yet his experience with the Dwarves also let him discover his natural wit and wisdom. Intelligence. Bravery. Integrity. Leadership qualities. Ability to laugh at himself. To have fun.  Plenty of people say getting out of a comfort zone is vital in maturity.  I’m saying, it’s rubbing shoulders and interacting with our fellow man that brings us to life.  Sure it can be kids, friends, work mates.  People.  Relationships. This is life.

Hey, I’m like any other good Hobbit and will agree that some days I can’t “people.” No one said being truly alive is an easy path. But “peopling” really is the only way.

“Through the storm we reach the shore.” U2, With or Without You.