Welcome to the Blue Blog — a place to gather together and figure out just how we are going to restore our culture today.
Try as I might, my daily outlook wavers wildly between peace and chaos. While careening between the two, I’m searching for clues that reveal my part in God’s larger story. I know in my mind that He is redeeming the world. However, I don’t always feel that peace in the day-to-day of life. In his book “Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin,” Cornelius Plantinga describes shalom (peace) and redemption this way:
“In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight–a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.”
For me, it’s the difference between wasting away as a cube drone or viewing my office as a place where I interact with a talented group of dedicated colleagues who serve a diverse group of clients. On a good day, I can see the opportunity to develop new and unique solutions for their projects. In these hours, I honor God using my talents and personal work style to bring good products and services to the marketplace.
Seeking “shalom” might be part of God’s plan, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. The email deluges, commuting drama, and empty coffee pots drive me toward a greater dependence on God. I still struggle with confusing projects, navigating workplace relationships, and the unknown of the economic environment. Thankfully each day brings glimmers of flourish! It is my hope that through experiences like Blue these moments will occur more often.
This is about more than a conference. It’s about learning to use our gifts to experience and share “flourishing”, connect to one another, and seek God more fully with ALL of the hours of our day. You are invited to be a part of the dialogue! Read the stories, articles, and interviews. Share your comments. Find some inspiration. Build some Shalom into your life.