Face to Face

"I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face."

That's our scripture verse for CYC 2011. Our theme is "Face to Face".

This summer, I have been reading David McCullough's book John Adams. Our second president was frequently physically separated from his wife because of government duties. Some of those were diplomatic in nature and took him overseas. John and Abigail wrote to each other frequently and extensively. Many of their letters are preserved at the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston.

What struck me about the letters quoted in the book is the Adams' longing for each other. They always wanted to be back together. Even though Abigail wrote that she could be freer with the pen than with her tongue, she still wanted to be with John.

This is hardly surprising of course. Most of the time, unless there is tension, we prefer face to face communication. Who doesn't want to be able to see, hear and touch their family and friends. Letters and electronic means of communication can be a good substitute when distance intervenes but they are still a substitute.

So how do we spend time with God? What should our facce to face communications with others be like?

I'd love your thoughts! And if you are a teen come to the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park this August 7-19 (yes there is still time) and join in an extended discussion of this topic and so much more.