Liminal Space

One of my favourite theologians is Father Richard Rohr, OFM. He often speaks about the possibility of change, and that the potentiality increases in certain moments. Moments of prayer, moments of pain are definite areas where God-given change is more likely to occur. Richard refers to these moments as liminal space- the word coming from the latin meaning threshhold. Modern English uses it to describe the area on a beach that is washed by the waves- not quite solid ground neither water nor land. Interestingly I am led to understand this is the area on the beach where life is found most abundantly.

I am in liminal space currently. In around five months I move to a new faith community to assume the role of pastor there, however I am still currently ministering in Weltevreden Park as pastor. I feel like I am in liminal space- a place of prayer -God help me here and God prepare me for the future, a place of pain- the pain of leaving the familiar- familiar lines on peoples hands I see when I serve communion like this past weekend, the familiar laughs and smiles, the familiar problems and joys. It is painful to leave and the denomination I am a part of I think doesn't do this well-leaving is often a drawn out process that stretches for months and sometimes over a year.

In this space there is that spaciousness- there is a certain freedom that comes with leaving- the possibilities of a new thing. There is a different way of looking at things that brings fresh perspectives that living deeply in a community sometimes hides. There is a freedom to wonder and dream and hope, and ponder and reflect on what has worked, what has failed, what has been faithful and unsuccessful, things that have been unfaithful and successful, and vice-versa that is the peculiar manner of doing church.

It is still hard though, the ground feels unsteady and untrustworthy. And perhaps that is the greatest gift the reason God works best it seems it liminal space- there is little that is certain except God, and it is into uncertainty that the Spirit can move guide, shape, transform and mold.

I have made many mistakes here and God is pointing them out often most graciously through others, and the gift is that the uncertainty of the future is helping me to see these and humorously humbly ponder whether God perhaps desires a different way.