sprybot

Expectations

2009-03-13T23:04:00.000-05:00

My friends bought a used mattress from Craigslist. For the un-initiated, Craiglist is kind of like Ebay, but it’s less polished and you have to go pick up whatever you buy. Expectations were high—they were confident of a good deal.

But expectations collided with reality when they went to get the mattress. The way they tell the story, I can only imagine that Chewbacca opened the door—a really sweaty Chewbacca who chain-smoked. They bought the mattress anyway.

The aroma of disappointment filled the van—that and the smell of a wet, chain-smoking wookie. My friend looked at his wife and said, “You want to take it straight to the dump?” She thanked him with a simple “yes.” So they drove to the dump and paid to unburden the mattress they had just driven thirty minutes to buy!

The deal they made was so bad, they were relieved to be able to end it with a little extra cash. In Ephesians 2:1-3, we’re facing a lousy deal and it’s all our fault. That’s what makes 2:4-5 such a relief—God doesn’t stick us with the stinky mattress. But that just scratches the surface.

Thinking

2008-10-27T14:46:00.004-05:00

I was just reading from a book written in 1877. I know, but I do that kind of thing. The quote was from a man named Phillips Brooks--he was the kind of guy who was introduced by people like Billy Sunday. Anyway, here's what he said:

...and the only sure and lasting way to make men believe in one's devotion and purity is to be what one wishes to be believed to be.

Two weeks ago, I heard Andy Stanley say the same thing in reference to moral authority, and the necessity of our deed and creed aligning.

So, today I've been thinking a lot about where we're headed in ministry. For the past year, I've been helping to lead an effort by our church to reach young adults. It started out okay, but we've veered from our task. We replaced the slow growth of a solid leadership team with a weekly event, and now the event is hollow.

Somewhere along the way toward credibility, we took a short-cut to build something. But we've caught ourselves. For the next two months, we're circling the wagons and dropping the event. The leaders are re-grouping, and we're being joined by a new handful of young people who are determined to carve time and opportunity to serve our lost friends and the world we live in. It's the right decision--we need time to pray and dream again. And we need to move forward in ways that address those dreams--in ways that truly serve our disconnected friends.

In the midst of this renewal and refocusing, I find myself uneasy. In the words of a friend, "It's difficult to pause in a culture that values measurement." Somewhere along the way, I've become a performer. Slowing down is hard to do, but here we are. I'm haunted sometimes by the ministry of Jonathan Edwards (I know, more old stuff). At one point in his ministry, he paused and looked around. Then he began to visit the home of each person in his church, one by one. He both encouraged and challenged them--in their own homes. That church became the seed of the Great Awakening.

It's worth it to take time to pause, to sharpen the axe, to get your bearings. I think that's why we started The Clearing in the first place, right?

You can read the whole book by Phillips Brooks here and now.

Link

Tattoo

2007-06-12T23:41:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile, but now that I'm done with five semesters of Greek, I'm hoping to return to the blogosphere! Right now, I'm sitting at the beach watching Miami Ink. I've heard about it, but we don't have cable at home.

I'm really struck by the show. I'm hoping this is the last episode tonight, because if it isn't I'm going to be up awhile. The same thought keeps running through my head--If we really want to reach out to this generation, we need to set up some tattoo shops....

If that seems kind of silly, then watch an episode and listen to the stories. And while we're at it, what if we could find a way to offer pre-marital counseling to non-christians?

Suffering

2007-04-03T23:56:00.000-05:00

Here are some great thoughts on suffering and American theology from a dear old friend (Natey K anyone?). I got to touch on some similar themes preaching at Bent Tree a couple of weeks ago.

Link

AND, here are two other great links:
1. A 4-hour debate/conversation at Saddleback between Rick Warren [wiki] and Sam Harris [wiki] on the existence of God. It was Newsweek's idea. Link.
2. Time Magazine article on teaching the Bible in the public school system. Link.

What the Church may Become. I hope.

2007-03-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

Read this first.

This is the buzz. Scott McKnight also hints of "post-evangelicalism." I don't think the fallout can be homogeneous, but I think the blending is well under way. It has been for some time, but it wasn't identified as a pattern. Early on, there were Bible churches dealing with charismatics and the birth of Emmaus/Tres Dias communities in the mainlines. Then there were Alpha classes among the Episcopals. All of these were a re-centering among their own ilk.

Seven years ago (or so), a lot was being written about evangelical college students using Gregorian chant and ancient rituals. People thought that was the next big thing and started chasing it as an end. What wasn't clear was how many other believers were also becoming unsettled.

The thing she hints at but doesn't address is globalization. This time, not only can we speak to each other, but we can ALL speak. Look at the idea in your head that separates the South African Episcopals from the US Episcopals now that they've wrestled with homosexual clergy. And take a glance backward at how much your view of Roman Catholics has shifted in the last decade. For those wrestling with definitions of Orthodoxy (like Doug Paggit), this is exciting and may seem like a move toward ecumenism. For some evangelicals, it's terrifying and a slippery path to liberalism (many liberals are paying attention).

I think it will continue to blend for awhile, but there will also come a reassertion of the oldest creeds. This will expel some, but energize others. Seriously, isn't it at least a little exciting to see things like Lent and Advent being reclaimed and cleansed of their baggage--the presence of ritual and the sacred again in the midst of all the postmodern chaos? I believe the same will continue to happen and more and more new believers will be reaching back to our foundations for answers. That's why Rob Bell's podcast has 40,000 downloads a week--he's teaching the Old. Same thing for John Piper.

Okay--a lot more than I meant to write.

The Jesus Tomb

2007-02-27T23:41:00.000-06:00

This is a duplicate of my post on a blog dedicated to our junior high staff:

Thanks to Erik for pointing this out! As it happens, one of my professors was supposed to be at the press conference and couldn't make it, but he's already seen the documentary and has some excellent comments here. Watch for more from him here. Seminary comes in handy!

For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, James Cameron (director of Titanic) is hosting a documentary on the Discovery Channel this Sunday. The promo asks, "If the bones of Jesus were found in Jerusalem, would that destroy the Christian faith?" They believe they have indeed found them, and those of his wife and son. Yes, that would pose quite a problem, since we believe in a BODILY resurrection and all!

Relax. They didn't find what they think they found. But there will be quite a bit of media attention on this in the next couple of days and you may even get some difficult questions from students. Remind them that we never need to fear a real search for truth.

Dr. Bock said this morning in class, "It's like a 21 slide PowerPoint presentation and each slide is contested. For the claim to be true, every slide must build from the one before." Take a peek at his blog or feel free to direct students there to read along with you. If you'd prefer a quick overview, here's a sampling of highlights:
1-It is almost untenable that a Jewish family from Galilee would purchase a family tomb in Jerusalem.
2-The names being used are not agreed upon--there are some significant difficulties with the equating of Mariamne with Mary Magdalene.
3-There is no agreement that this is actually a family tomb.
4-You'll have to see his post the rest, including some truth about DNA evidence. Be sure and go to the main blog as well for his updates. You'll hear him quoted quite a bit this week.

SO, since we're looking at Jesus and comparing him to who the culture thinks He is on Sundays, we're going to hit this head on in class on Sunday. I'll play some video from either CNN or Discovery and we'll let the kids try to help find solutions. As always, you're welcome to come (especially if you're on the Sunday Team)!

[staff meeting reminder removed]

UPDATE: There's a good article here, including an observation by a prominent Jewish scholar. AND, this blog (Ben Witherington, PhD.) is also full of excellent material for dealing with the claims. Be sure and look through the many comments and responses (Dr. Witherington is a friend of Dr. Bock).

FURTHER UPDATES: see www.crosstie.org

Emerging Article

2007-01-25T22:48:00.000-06:00

There's an excellent article on the emerging church here. These are the Christians our students are becoming (and maybe us too). I think the challenge it brings to the mainstream is exciting, and though some have found dangerous theology, others are finding ways around it--or should I say--others are reaching similar conclusions about practice and worship and mission with theology that is clearly orthodox, and yet humbly so.

I'll probably post the article on Crosstie.org in a couple of days.

Experiment

2006-12-31T10:13:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been out for so long! This semester got a bit overwhelming. And then there's a little experiment I've been working on.

I've often noticed how easy it is to find Christian resources through Google searches and the like, but I've rarely had a way to find reliable Christian resources. AND, I've found many useful things online over the years that I wish I could share with folks. Add to that a desire for pay off school debt, and there you have it: CROSSTIE.ORG. Please VISIT!

Ok, it's really just another blog that looks like a website, but I'm trying to index and evaluate many good online tools with room for the opinions of other folks (it's unmoderated for now). I plan to add at least one a week and label them so you can easily find things through the contents (or the search at the top of the page). I hope to keep the list down to a workable number of good sources and do not plan to evaluate things I don't find useful.Nor do I plan on sticking with evangelical or even Christian material. If I find it helpful for ministry, I'll try to stick it in (for example).

Anyway, take a peek and share your thoughts. I'll be adding book links through Amazon at a later date.

2006-11-26T11:55:00.000-06:00

11:45. First car-sick of the trip, but what a difference a year makes. She used a barf bag!
-steve

2006-11-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

8:45 (our time) -- leaving Bryant, AR (Arkansas).
-steve

2006-11-25T07:28:00.000-06:00

Leaving Johnson City. 8:20 Eastern, 7:20 Central.

-steve

2006-11-18T08:14:00.000-06:00

8:00 leaving West Memphis. Lots of coughing last night. We didn't sleep well, but we're excited.
-steve

2006-11-17T15:43:00.000-06:00

3:00. We're pulling out. Madison's play was great. We're tense but it's getting better.
-steve

Pumpkins Three

2006-10-28T19:42:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's difficult to recognize just how fast they grow, and to see how the little ones go even faster. Megan cut her own pumpkin when she was six. Madison did it last year at five. Now Mackenzie this year at four. But we sure do have a good time doing it!

They pick the pumpkins and draw their faces. I copy them to the pumpkins and make a lid. Then they do the rest with tools like dull jigsaw blades (ok, I did the mouths for Megan and Mackenzie, but it was just because Kenzie got tired and Megan was worried about the tongue). At the end, I clean them up so the edges are good and the light works well.

You can buy pretty cool designs now, but nothing beats seeing their personalities shine through ;-)

Can you guess?

2006 (above, clockwise from left): Madison's pirate, Mackenzie's scary face and Megan's hillbilly.

2005 (clockwise from left): Madison, Mackenzie, Megan.

2004 (clockwise from left): Madison's self-drawn, Megan's self-cut and Mackenzie's dad-did-it special.

Anatomy

2006-10-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to admit to watching the show because some of my readers are also our students, but it does intrigue me ;-)

I am struck by the way they have chosen lives that completely disregard the plan of God and that they so clearly suffer the consequences of life outside His provision. Repeatedly. They speak frequently about the pain they bring, yet they remain dedicated to these same afflicted behaviors. It is a beautifully disturbing view of original sin and the fallen state of man. They continue in the same pattern of sin and disregard for God because they are unable to do otherwise. The unregenerate, un-redeemed human is unable to climb out of the pattern. They see the pain. They recognize the consequences. They fail to change. They are trapped. Non posse non peccare. Not able not to sin.

But the writer adds an incredible irony--these same fallen and pitiful creatures devote their lives to the removal of physical pain and affliction. They are doctors, but more importantly they are surgeons and save human life on a daily basis. In a physical sense, they bring salvation, redemption to human bodies. Yet they themselves remain condemned, unregenerate, unable to lift themselves from spiritual bondage as they deliver others from physical bondage. There is one exception, and I wonder at the coincidence that her faith was established in early episodes. She is as frail and subject to failure as the others. But unlike them, she learns. Posse non peccare. Able not to sin.

An Amish Nocturne

2006-10-02T22:10:00.000-05:00

Peter Berger calls it a signal of transcendence--an experience in this physical reality that hints that surely something more is out there. He names five: order, hope, play, humor and one other that seems to strike a chord today--damnation.

There are certain actions among humans that seem to demand more than mere justice can provide. Crimes that beg for a punishment greater than we can deliver. Crimes that make us long for a greater justice.

I know, that makes for a lousy theology of Hell and it implies that I am somehow less of a disappointment to God than a man who murders little Amish girls, but days like this at least clarify what Berger meant. That he chose girls is unfathomable. That he bound them and executed them with a 12 gauge is difficult even to type. That he is the third school shooting in a week weakens my resolve. That he took his own life and bypassed a trial is hollow and unsettling.

When we were children, we drilled for an atomic war. We would all joke of the lunacy of sitting beneath a desk to be safe right after we had seen video footage of exactly what a blast would do to us. But there was never a war. We feared it, but it never came.

For our children, life is so very different. They drill for lockdowns. Teachers know how to evacuate a room in secrecy. Administrator speak in code to avoid panic. They know what to do when the first gunshot is heard. And they use it. They used it in Colorado last week. They used in Wisconsin. I'm not so sure about Pennsylvania. This community of pacifists didn't have a lockdown drill in place....

It is quite sobering to consider what our students must feel when they walk into a building that seemed so safe when we were young. It affects the way I teach, or at least, it will.

God told Habbakkuk that it is in mercy that He withholds judgment, for if He so moves, He will judge all, not only those whom we would choose. But there are days when Habakkuk's request is hard not to utter. "How long, O Lord...."

Dragonflies

2006-09-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

It seems events of late have swamped my blogtime! My apologies to all of you have built up (unread) in my Bloglines account, but I'm beat. But it's good.

We've been a bit busy since we got here, but the addition of Greek last year certainly changed things! Now that I'm third semester, I honestly put in about four hours of homework for each class (and that's without continuing to memorize so I can pass the proficiency test). So, you might ask, "Is it really worth it?" I ask the same thing on a weekly basis, especially when I'm trying to do a good job at work and at home, but the answer is, "Yes." For those of you who have read the Tolkien trilogy, it's the difference between seeing the movies and reading the books. The movies are great, but there's a level of understanding you get from the book that you just can't match with film. Most people don't need it, but it's great to have a book-reading friend around when the movie gets confusing, especially the first time you see it. That's Greek--it's great to have someone around who can fill us in when the confusing stuff comes up or add the insight that reveals the beauty and mastery of the Word.

Truth is, I'm developing a kind of discipline that I've needed for years and it pays off in other ways. I'm thoroughly enjoying teaching with Wildlife (and, believe it or not, Greek helps; it's amazing the confidence that school builds). I'm enjoying our new Pruitt Saturday Sabbaths (I stayed up till 4 to keep a promise to do no work or school today and it was totally worth it). And... I'm enjoying coaching the Dragonflies! That's right, we just can't keep away from coaching one of the girls! Soccer with three players makes our schedule a bit tough, but the time in the community and the chance to cheer for our daughters make it all worth it (tough is just part of the package for a few more years). Today's game was excellent--it is amazing when you can see 4-year-olds responding to practice and coaching. Today we stopped the ball and turned it around. We've been working on that one skill for two weeks and today they all did it.

It seems I'm learning that I love the chance to teach. Period. 4-year-olds. Junior High. You name it. But most of all, I like to see it work.

Agent of Change

2006-09-04T20:03:00.000-05:00

We weren't in the same business, really, but I only pray to be as effective as he was. All of us felt like we knew him and he did something for the world that those of us in ministry long for--he changed it. It wasn't spiritual. It wasn't eternal. But the way we all think about crocodiles and snakes has been altered and it is solely because of his passion and commitment.

We pray that God works through us as we teach, and sometimes He does. But it is inspiring nonetheless to see his influence and wonder what God could do when we become as passionate for people as Steve Irwin was for reptiles.

I'll miss him.

Obsession

2006-08-20T23:16:00.000-05:00

Preaching at Bent Tree often invites some wonderful and challenging conversations. Last week, I met with an alcoholic friend (13 years dry) to follow up some thoughts on idolatry from the Gideon message. As it happens, people in recovery often speak of addictions like obsessions and she wondered if obsession and idolatry were really so different and if the Bible had more to say here. We looked at Peter's mention of mastery in 2 Peter 2.19 and Paul's equivocation of greed and idolatry in Colossians 3.5, but then she added something really intriguing: her first sponsor many years ago said that if you're thinking about it before bed and if it's the first thing you think of in the morning, then it's an obsession, whatever it is. That covers drugs, porn, people and even depression.

We turned to Deuteronomy 6.

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

These words were pretty important. They even have their own name--like the way we name the Golden Rule. They're called the Shema and are still considered the most important prayer in Judaism. Jesus affirmed as much in Matthew 22.37. Look closely at verse 7: When you lie down and when you get up.

That sounds like obsession to me. Perhaps the Shema is God saying, "You are designed for obsession, and here it is. Me. You are to be obsessed with me. I alone am God. All else is idolatry. Love me with the entirety of your soul."

I get to preach again on New Year's Eve (I've had to say no to any dates beyond that for now). I'm really tempted to teach on the Shema. If I do, I want to spend some time studying this idea. If it's true, I'm betting all of our recovery folks would relate. Actually, I'm betting all the sinners would relate. What's your obsession?

P.S.
1-The Noah and Gideon messages are up and linked on the right.
2-One of our elders has a friend who struggled with depression and another who still is. We met for lunch last week and had a great talk about depression and a lot of other things (like authenticity and the church). Anyway, it got me wondering if depression is really so different. In the end, depression is very selfish and a way of self-medicating just like alcohol or pills or porn, but controlling it is a bit more nefarious. In one regard, it's an obsession. In another regard, it is a disease. Depression differs in that it was often never invited and yet those who struggle with it sometimes nurse it because it takes you to a place that is strangely comforting although despairing. It is repulsive yet one cannot leave until released.

Noah

2006-07-15T22:26:00.000-05:00

I wrote this sonnet for the sermon I'm giving in the morning. I was having a hard time getting my arms around the story of Noah and this helped. It's a huge story about the nature of God and the nature of mankind and I'm still pretty nervous about teaching it. There are so many layers and I've chosen an application that's pretty broad and non-specific. It think tomorrow is one of those days that challenge our thinking about who God is more than a day that gives us a plan for the next week. I'm not using the poem in the sermon, but we did tag it onto the email that goes to the whole body each week.

Anyway, you need to know that the name Noah sounds like the Hebrew for comfort and there's a prophecy about that in Genesis 5.29.

Noah

His hand had stayed the furrow many days
without the tremble rain would recognize;
the oxen were resigned, the door was raised,
and thunder roared and ripped apart the skies.

A man of dirt might dream of dew and mist—
when water comes he’s thankful for the mud.
Raindrops would be blessing—never this,
the first fruits of fury and of blood.

Judgment smells like flotsam tinged with death.
Patience sounds like tide to those who wait.
Goodness looks upon all He gave breath
and Mercy says that none shall live save eight.

Alone, adrift, awake without relief,
aware that peace and Comfort come through grief.

(c) Steve Pruitt 2006

Parting Thoughts

2006-07-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the absence, but it's Student Missions Season at Bent Tree and thinks get pretty crazy, especially with summer school finishing up (I made a C+ in Greek, for what it's worth). And tomorrow, we head for the beach in the borrowed-once-again pop-up camper (a huge blessing the Housewrights have made possible!). SO, here are some thoughts for the week while I am gone:

Postmodern issues and the emerging church continue to challenge me. Thanks to Sheryl Belson for a copy of an excellent issue of The Economist. The link is here, but I'm not sure it will be around long (that's their image below). It's a great overview of changing trends and media. In addition, Mike pointed out an excellent podcast from DTS on emerging issues that features a good friend (he may not know I consider him that, so don't tell) and reader of this blog. It's here (in three parts, titled The Emerging Church Movement).

Cody, you know I agree on the humans=animals issue. But I do believe we have separated so far from that extreme we are sometimes seen as callous toward other life. I think there is ground somewhere in between that says human life is sacred because we are image-bearers, but other life is given to us as a charge and is not to be needlessly wasted, rather it is to be stewarded. I believe this is what makes the abortion issue so critical (and difficult)--a weak view here puts us only a blink away from experimentation on fetuses and the ludicrous claims of Peter Singer (as you mentioned). And, I thank God for you too!

Suzanne, I promise to write back soon, but I was thrilled to get your message! It's only fitting that a Tennessean has a cousin show up on the blog!

Amber, I think some OT classes would be great, but be sure you're ready for some of the ideas that Luke has faced. There are great professors at Milligan, but some have allowed a disbelief in the OT to creep into their teaching and will seek to explain away some of the miracles and the judgments. The chart from last post is partly intended for that issue--Jesus believed that Noah and Jonah were factual stories. To discredit the God of the OT is to discredit Jesus. SO, if you're braced for that (JP would be a good help), then go for it!

I'm teaching at BT on July 16 about Noah. Unfortunately, I have to write part of it on vacation, but I'm enjoying the study and am finishing up a sonnet that sums up some thoughts about Noah. Is it cheesy or too "birkenstock" to end a sermon with a poem (or just to bring it onscreen while I end)?

(sorry Kelly--it's just such a good adjective!)

wdJb?

2006-06-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

This one's not as polished as the others, but it's the most useful chart I've made lately. Have you ever considered the testimony of Jesus as a validation or challenge to your own beliefs? Our professor mentioned a handful of stories that Jesus affirms as true, so I wondered if there were other things Jesus beleieved that might be useful to our ears. The prof agreed to let me use it as an assignment, so here's my list of twelve issues people challenge and where Jesus stood on each. See what you think.

I'm tempted to try to sell these (it looks best on 11x17 paper), but I'd need to see if I need permission from the church. Be honest--would anybody buy something like this for a couple of dollars?

For you JC folk, that Jesus is located in Roselawn Cemetary.

King

2006-06-07T03:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this isn't going to be more fun. That last one shows the relationship between free will and original sin and our need for grace. This one's a little more accessible and you can look it up.

There are eleven prophecies in the gospel of Matthew where Matthew specifically points out fulfillment. They're a little weird until you see two things: One, Matthew is writing to explain how Jesus is the King of the Jews but they rejected him. The stories take place in the past and show what happened. Two, the prophecies weren't fulfilled in the way we use that word. It's more like they were satisfied. And, some of them are less about Jesus and more about how he parallels something that happened to Israel (like they were rescued from Egypt and so was he). When that clicks, they make a lot of sense, but even better, they tell a story. Matthew was using the references to Old Testament events to explain who Jesus was and to tell they story all over again in a beautiful and elaborate way.

I just finished this for class tomorrow. The story is on the right. If I get a bad grade, I'll fix this post--so don't go preaching any sermons with this yet!

Sin and Destiny

2006-05-31T22:22:00.000-05:00

As you may have picked up from recent posts, I've spent a lot of time with this issue lately. Below is the result of that time and some significant frustration trying to create a visual flow of the issues. As it happens, many other issues only matter to certain brown boxes (like total depravity is only an issue on the left). Also, the 3 brown boxes on the left are all Christian positions. The 4th may be. The 5th (box on the right) is not. If you see any error, let me know.

Anyway, I know this is remarkably boring. I'll do better, I promise. I'm finishing the test for this class tonight (Wendy's recent post is much more authentic). But a couple of you may find it useful (I have a PowerPoint version that builds the chart as it goes--just ask). Thanks Kelly for the pic--your name is well preserved in the PowerPoint version and title slide, but no Kelly Michelle....

The tree represents original sin (am I guilty or not?). The fire represents salvation (who lights the spark and initiates--me or God?).

UPDATE: Diagram edited and replaced 6-1-06

Wisdom

2006-05-24T00:18:00.000-05:00

Inevitably someone asks if babies and the mentally handicapped go to heaven. Seriously. We all want to know, and I'm ready to give you the answer: Dunno. Seriously. But think about this--how would we as believers be different if God had spelled out the solution to this painful dilemma?

If you want resolution on the issue, then which pole is less offensive? If all babies are saved, then abortion becomes a benevolent and noble gift--a free pass to heaven granted only by the most loving and gracious of parents. Euthanasia as grace. Peter Singer would be validated.

If all babies perish, then abortion becomes unpardonable--the intentional condemnation of a tiny soul to the godless chasm of Hell. Miscarriages would be insurmountable. Life support for the yet unregenerate could never be terminated for the paralyzing fear that a DNR order is tantamount to damnation.

In his wisdom, He does not answer this one. He may hint, but He does not speak. Mystery, and the tension it produces, keep us diligent--and hopeful.