Still Pondering My Birthday

You know, some things are so good that you just want to savor them for a while and my 65th birthday party is one of them. My journey has been quite a trip to say the least, one that has led me across many miles and many people and many experiences. I have seen the worst of life and I have seen the best of life, not to mention all the rest of life. In the process, I have learned much about people--very much. Some of what I have learned is good--very good--but some of it is not so very good.

I have learned that God created us for relationship not only with each other, but also with Him, and this is good--very good. However, I have also learned that relationships are difficult--very difficult, and this is not-so-good. As someone said to me today, "You have to love some people from a distance" and the truth is this is true.

I have also learned that the church should be the safest place on earth, and this is good--very good; however, I have also learned (the hard way) that the church is probably the least safe place on earth, and this is not-so-good.

I have also learned that Jesus lives in every believer, and this is good--very good. However, I have also learned that His abiding Presence doesn't always manifest itself in every believer, and this is not-so-good.

I have also learned that nothing can be compared to the Christian life--absolutely nothing--and this is good--very good. However, I have also learned that I can sometimes feel that the "Christian life" is a farce (something absurd or ridiculous), especially when someone I truly love decides to abandon our relationship, and this is not-so-good.

I have also learned that when I find myself in that kind of "place," God won't let me remain there for very long, and this is good--very good! He has His own ways of reminding me that He still has a "people," a remnant to be sure, nevertheless a people of His own choosing. He has His own ways of reminding me that nothing can be compared to the Christian life--absolutely nothing.

Just for the record: the kind expressions of love and commitment that you extended to me during my Birthday Party is a fresh example of His ways being carried out in my life. You reminded me that I do have a Divine "calling", that I am loved, that the church is worth dying for, and last but not least, you reminded me of the tremendous privilege it is for me to be called "your pastor!"

As "icing on the cake," my grandchildren were able to share this experience with me, and I am willing to bet that they will never forget the experience, nor will the ever forget the incredible love you extended to me (talk about children's ministry!).

Blessings and much love,
Your Pastor