Episode 4 Reading Scripture

Before doppler radar and phone alerts, we went to church on a cold winter’s night, as we always did. I do not remember who our youth leader was; we had six leaders during my time in youth: Mike, Steve, Greg, Kent, David, and some guy who stayed 3 weeks. I have no idea what we were talking about, but suddenly the prayer garden flood lights came on illuminating a heavy snow falling outside our window. Daniel Vitchabonda, an exchange student from Thailand, stood straight up, and whether a declaration or question, blurted out, “Snow!?” and transfixed as by a vision, Daniel repeated his mantra “snow, snow, snow” as he slipped on his coat and exited the room. I do not remember asking for permission as my friends and I followed Daniel outside. Daniel had never seen snow. We taught him how to catch a snowflake on his tongue. With an easy lob Greg Ramey introduced Daniel to snowballs. Some of our group made snowpeople and angels in the snow. We fell into a massive snowball fight as snow blanketed the earth with a quieting silence. We watched cars creep down Clay’s Mill with faith that there would be no school tomorrow. In my middle school estimation, this was the best Bible Study ever. While preaching from Exodus, Barbara Brown Taylor described Moses’ greatest attribute as his willingness to turn aside from the everyday responsibilities and explore what turned out to be the Burning Bush. (Ex. 3) That snowy night, we turned aside from our studies and experienced wonder together. Our leaders were wise and loving enough to allow us to dwell in this holy interruption. John Wesley called this “watching over one another in love”. The heart of the small group Methodist movement was rooted in watching over one another in love. Lent is ten days away. I am wondering what if we gave up doing scripture alone this lent? I am not suggesting we forgo private devotions, but if we agreed to open our hearts and minds alongside other Christians we would be closer to the early church practice than when we study alone!