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But the second person is also essential. They have to stand back and from a distance that can take in the whole picture and the things around it, declare whether or not the picture is, in fact, even.

These jobs seem like magic to me.

Its hard to know how much of an adjustment is necessary for role one to succeed. A little to the left. Back a bit the other way. No, that's too much. Almost. The opportunity to correct and overcorrect when sliding the wire along the nail is a blind challenge.

The second role involves less intense labor, but can only work if you have clear, level vision. A crooked head, an unobservant eye, impatience with person number one makes this job difficult as well.

Why is the search for a level, equal, even place so often pursued along a winding road?

In the mirror, in the minivan, in the marketplace, in the meeting room, it seems difficult to find an even keel. We hear ourselves saying, "It's not that crooked when you tilt your head a little."

Even when I can delegate or compensate for my picture-hanging deficiencies, the other uneven parts of life require attention.

The readings this week invite us, surprise us, with the issues of =.

Isaiah catalogs the distribution of judgment and blessing, James presses us to experience the temptations of favoritism, and Jesus shocks us with blunt language to a mother seeking help for her child.

But, our prophets and apostles don't merely describe, and Jesus doesn't merely surprise. There is a path toward even, and it goes past several well-worn pit-stops along the way.

See you Sunday,

 

COMING UP

We are beginning a Ten-Talent Journey. On Sundays and in small groups, we are taking a journey towards God in the next several months. We invite you to join us along the way, and to do so with expectation. You can join us in the Asylum on Sunday at 9am, or join another group meeting throughout the week over the next five weeks.

Sunday at 9am- Nancy Ross is leading a three week study on faith from the life of Job in the Parish Hall. It begins this Sunday

With your Bulletin- Pick up a Storm Ready Card. This card invites you to: 1. Prepare for a Storm before it arrives. 2. Sign up if you need help preparing for a storm. 3. Serve on a team to help others prepare.