nachos, tangents, and the gift of gathering

This semester and last have been marked by the unspoken joy of gathering. My friend Emma and I lead a little community group and Bible study on Monday nights, joined by a group of fellow girls studying at McGill whom I love dearly and have quickly become sister-friends. Emma kindly opens her home to us, and we flock into her apartment one by one, over tea and a snack (favourites to date: Em's nachos and Lau's chocolate chip cookies). Together, in that living room on Durocher Road, we learn the Way of Jesus, study the Word and press into God's presence. 

Often (more often than not), we get 'sidetracked' as we talk endlessly about our lives, fears, questions, learning curves, frustrations, struggles, excitements. Growing up churched, I have grown all-too-familiar with the rebuttal of tangents during Bible studies, and the perpetual admonition of discussion leaders along the lines of: "let's get back to our topic now!" (usually asserted when I am onto sharing a 27th anecdote barely relating to what we were meant to discuss). I certainly have had to confess my self-absorbed tendencies, failure to actively listen and distinct ability to derail just about any conversation. It's something I will certainly have to learn to resist, again and again. 

During our Monday night gatherings, I often feel guilty about not reigning in the conversation more (and contributing to tangents. ahem.). I was sharing this frustration (worry?) with my friend Katie who takes part in the group. She responded with grace, wisely stating: "I am sure Jesus spent time with His disciples talking about life and not solely teaching at all times." And it got me thinking. I think she is right. Maybe, just maybe, one of the gifts of togetherness and gathering is the way it invites us to share candidly about the good and bad of the season of life we are in, and allow the Holy Spirit to steer the discussion to the heart of God. If getting sidetracked in conversation allows someone to confess sin, ask for prayer and help, share a story of freedom or encourage a fellow sister- is this really a diversion and conversational failure? ... is it not God's grace? 

Of course, I am NOT suggesting that a Bible study in which Bibles remain unopened is a good thing. This should never be our default posture, nor should I assume that a round of "roses and thorns" qualifies as the essence of biblical community and discipleship. God's Word is good and inspired and true. To thrive as believers, we are called to delve into it, know it, and study it in community. 

But I do believe that we shouldn't confine God's holiness to the 66 books of the Bible. He makes Himself known to us as we spill our hearts to one another, working through such questions as: "what should I tell my struggling friend?" or "how do I know where Christ is leading me next?" or "why won't He deliver me of my anxiety?" or "why do I doubt?". Funnily enough, the beautiful thing about these unplanned reflections is this: they inevitably lead us to the truths of His Word, for us to uncover together. God recurrently stuns me by revealing Himself even when my Bible study plans and expectations are swept away by the tide of the conversation. The outlined presumptions I had for the discussion may have flown adrift, but what I needed to hear that night surges when and where I least expected it. What a sweet reminder that ALL is grace. 

On countless Monday nights, as we inhaled our nachos and found ourselves in the heart of yet another tangent, beautiful words of freedom and redemption were spoken. Are some tangents unhelpful? Absolutely- and we ought to rely on God's wisdom to discern when enough is enough! But we also need to humbly make room for those tangential conversations that are so clearly divinely orchestrated. 

What a blessing that knowing and loving God is not limited to scriptural study, and that He unveils Himself in our communities as we do life together simply and honestly. Jesus taught people and revealed Himself to them as Messiah and King in the thick of their everyday comings and goings- not just through theological texts and scheduled lessons. 

Monday night gatherings in Emma's living room have taught me many things, but perhaps the most striking lesson is that, every so often, the greatest act of obedience is to take time to look up from our outlines and plans to acknowledge what He is doing in the lives of our brothers and sisters. Could it be that, at times, we cling so forcefully to our agendas and fail to look up, missing out on the fact that He is in our midst? 

I am grateful for the gift of gathering with members of the Body. I am grateful that, whether through a prepared Bible study or a conversation completely derailed, He encounters His people and His truths remain. I am grateful for this clan of strong, beautiful, loving women that bear God’s image and remind me that His mercies are new every day (every moment). I am grateful for the collective roar of our praise to Emmanuel, God with us. And I am so, so grateful at the thought of worshipping Him face-to-face with these girls one day.