A LOT of people ask me how my job works (in case you wondered: I fill short-term openings for 3 months at a time, moving on to the next short-term opening when my schedule allows). The statement that almost always accompanies my answer? “You must be single. You couldn’t really do this with a family, right?”

Well, I admit it wouldn’t be optimal to uproot every 3 months and drag a significant other/kids along in my wake – which is why I enjoy doing it in the present phase of my life. Admittedly, I often yearn for “everyday” things like: a ‘boring’ routine, a summer softball league, all my belongings in one place, a garden, the luxury of more than one pot/pan, canning applesauce, leaving my pantry stocked, pictures on the wall, real furniture (my kitchen table is a folding plastic model. But I just got an inflatable lounge chair!! Feeling fancy).

But I can’t say I’m discontent. I have been completely satisfied to be a single woman working as a knowledgable professional in a field I love… but I wouldn’t rebel if a dashing knight came and swept me off my feet (especially if he had a sword. *Swoon*). I’ve generally just thought if a special someone was to be found, he’d be found, but I wouldn’t spend a lot of potential hiking/backpacking/skiing time looking for him.

But then a dear friend – who possesses the superpower of sweet and irresistible persistence – convinced me to sign up for an online dating platform (where she met her now-husband). THIS has been a largely uncomfortable experience, but I’ve found that discomfort produces growth, so I’m hanging on for the ride. I’ve had conversations with a number of fascinating people, which is enjoyable in and of itself. One such conversation thread is with a self-professed skeptic, a staunch non-denominational protestant Christian who is intrigued with “my” beliefs and wants to know more. And it is what prompted this new blog post.

I make a point of bringing religion into conversation early in the online interaction, as it is an important part of my identity. Many fellas are a bit unnerved by the stark difference in beliefs, some are indifferent; this particular individual did a cursory check online of Seventh-day Adventists, and fired questions, beginning with asking what the Great Disappointment of 1844 was all about, then questioning whether Scripture can be relied upon for prophetic messages, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the legitimacy of Ellen White’s writings.
Oof.

Welp. Was I prepared to provide a treatise discussing the 2300 Day prophecy of Daniel 8?

Nope. A resounding nope.

I’ve fought against being ashamed at my lack of an immediate answer. Honestly, I’ve focused my faith walk on tenets that I’ve found to be more global in nature: God is love, the gift of Jesus as our redeeming sacrifice, and living a life of love as a witness to the love and grace received from God. I haven’t seriously dug deep into Biblical prophecy, believing that love – and living love – was the weightier matter worth more of my attention (I’m still not convinced otherwise). Perhaps this is a pendulum swing in the opposite direction from the “Adventist way” in the mid-20th century, and arguably the tradition in many Protestant religions of the time: Keep the rules, or suffer the consequences. The Biblical law was used as a sledge to hammer out visible imperfections, without addressing the roots that lead to spiritual fruits. Regardless, I’m chagrined at my lack of digging into foundational beliefs of the denomination I profess (though I profess first and foremost to be a Christian, far above labeling myself a Seventh-day Adventist).

These pointed questions have shaken me to my core – what is the basis for what I believe? Have I built my paradigm on the foundation of others’? This theological tremor is not quite enough to damage the foundation, but enough to make the engineers look very closely at the structure to ensure it is solid against future earthquakes. It is unknown yet if any changes must be made, but objective and unemotional assessment is imperative to the integrity of the building.

What a clever way God has implemented to inspire me to dig deeper into His Word. He’s got me figured out, ya know. 😉

Whaddya say? Are you in to get your shovel and hands dirty, too? Let’s do some work! What Biblical truths have you found/refound recently? What has you wrestling with God, as Jacob of old? What theological tremors have you experienced? Let’s talk through them!