Hoops

There are some things in life that we just have to do. There's not a lot of options. In order for us to get from "point A" to "point D", we have to go through "B" and "C".

I'm in one of those times right now as I go about CPE at Unity Hospital.

Things I believe about my CPE unit:

• I believe that I'm going to learn things I didn't expect to learn.
• I believe that I'm working with really fun people and I enjoy them.
• I believe that my work here has value. Those with whom I do ministry seem to appreciate my presence.
• I believe that I'm being challenged to do things outside of my comfort zone.

So what's the problem? Why is it that when I think of CPE, I tend to put it in the framework of a "hoop?" Is it that I don't own it? Is it that it was something I had to do instead of something I chose?

Let's expand the question:

What else does God ask of us that we think of as "hoops"?

• Is loving God with all of our heart, soul and mind a hoop?
• Is loving my neighbor as I love myself a hoop?
• Is doing justice a hoop?
• Is loving kindness a hoop?
• Is walking humbly with God a hoop?

I guess the primary issue for me is that God doesn't require hoops. We don't jump for God. We might jump because of God, but we don't jump for God.

I suppose that someone could look at what God asks of us as hoops. But I think if they do that they don't have a very well developed understanding of the Grace that fuels us to want to do these things.

What God asks of us is not "hoop" as much as it is "direction." Direction in where to focus the energy that comes as a result of God's grace for us.

It is my attitude about these expectations that needs to change.

And perhaps even my attitude about CPE.