Vocabulary redefined, part 2

Another example: sacrament.

Before: things in church rituals that we go through, not really sure why

After: a (the?) manner in which God's grace is given to us, usually through the bread (wafer) and the wine (grape juice) that we receive in communion and also baptism. Not limited to this, as I think it's any way that God gives us his grace; our lives can be sacraments to each other, for instance.

Vocabulary redefined

One of the things that seminary has done to me is to cause me to redefine some of my vocabulary. An example: liturgy.

Before: something done in a Catholic church (or similar), very structured, in Latin, boring

After: singing, any kind, but in worship to God and for God. When people sing benediction to each other at my old church in San Jose, that is liturgy to me. It is singing that we incorporate into the rhythm of our lives in order to remind ourselves of the hope and joy we have in Christ.

Particular perfection

An interesting excerpt about marriage I read today:

I've never forgotten a nervous bride-to-be asking an older friend, "I love Richard with all my heart. But how do I know that later on I won't meet some man who has lots of qualities that Richard does not have?" Her friend replied, "Undoubtedly you will--lots of them! But the point is that they won't be Richard!"

Perhaps a slightly different spin on it is that you aren't looking for someone perfect when you want to marry, but someone perfect for you.