Perspective: The In-Between Space

    
     This morning I was reading the lectionary texts for the week and wondering which of my brilliant preacher friends would be preaching from the ever familiar text of the 10 lepers who were healed. I have heard that story many times but today, I stumbled upon a blog post that helped me see myself and that text from a different vantage point. In her blog post, Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt refers to the importance of the space between Galilee and Samaria and how crucial that piece of (physical and spiritual) geography is to the story.

      She writes, "the land between Samaria and Galilee is neither one or the other." Suddenly, I find myself at peace because I recognize this space. I often refer to myself as a bit of a gypsy because I am never in one place for very long. It seems that I am put in certain places for seasons, but unlike the seasons which are clearly marked on our calendars (and yet, ironically, more like the whimsical display of unseasonal weather patterns we have seen in the northeast), my seasons are never clearly marked. It always hits me like a ton of bricks when the season ends because I tend to fall in love with the place and the people and then, with love, comes the heartbreak of separation at the end of the season. This, I am sure, is a human phenomenon. I have never seen lush fall leaves weep as they make the tree branches bare in time to wear the glossy shimmer of winter's snow and ice.

     Right now, I am in that in-between space. In a world of multi-tasking and technological connectivity, I am in the in-between space where I can not keep up with people because of my particular use of the 24 hours granted to me each day - and my absolute refusal to be "on-line" 24 hours a day. I am in-between communities. I have left the home of the Renaissance (the Harlem Renaissance, that is) and seem to be reluctantly relocating to the City of Brotherly Love (which, ironically, seems to have no love for the brothers or the sisters!) I am in-between paying off student debt and incurring more for the sake of my career. (Dr. Jones, I presume?) I am in-between worship communities. (With the call, comes the realization that "regular" church membership is no longer an option.) I am in-between part-time jobs. (Part time work, full time expectations and an overachieving employee...you see my dilemma?)

     I am in that narrow space of in-between and it is not a comfortable space. Have you ever had to sleep in a bed or on the floor in between two other people? Whether adults or children (but especially if they are children), that space is narrow, fragile and quite uncomfortable. There is no room to stretch out because you might wake or harm the ones occupying space on either side of you. They are not in-between. They are in a space and sometimes that space runs over into your narrow strip of in-between but the reverse is not necessarily true. The in-between space exists specifically to show the no-man's land in-between two other well-occupied and more settled spaces. Once you find yourself in that space, you must learn to navigate it quickly, lest you be perceived as an enemy to one in the clearly defined space. In-between spaces are not always an oasis. Even the oasis has clearly defined borders for the protection of those seeking her shelter. This in-between space is an uncomfortable and often treacherous space. As a traveler, I have come to recognize the space and when I am there, I govern myself accordingly. There is a code of conduct that is necessary for survival, even in the in-between spaces. Much like traveling in the desert, the in-between space will either keep you or kill you. It is not a place for dalliance. It is a place of purpose.


     Rev. Dr. Hunt's reflection on the text has helped me to locate myself this morning. My location is unsettling for others who are in a particular space with clearly defined borders. I am glad for the opportunity to be on the narrow strip of life's journey called the in-between space. This space would have once been a source of heartache for me but now, I can simply relax and just be...in this space. While I am occupying this space, I am praying for others who are in the in-between space.


Those who are in-between paychecks and poverty.
Those who are in-between sickness and health.
Those who are in-between life and death.
Those who are in-between stages of grief.
Those who are in-between having a home and being homelessness.
Those who are in-between relapse and recovery.
Those who are in-between heartbreak and healing.
Those who are in-between God's call and their response!


I'm praying that you will find peace and purpose in your in-between space today.

Shalom!