I always seem to hit the ground running. For those who know me, this isn't a revelation. Life is truly an adventure, this soul taking it literally. When you jump out of, or off of, a moving vehicle without plan to consume some energy, moving in the same direction of motion then slowing, you are in for abrupt, potentially destructive tumble as the moving energy is applied to your tumbling body instead of flailing feet. If you've ever seen a skateboarder's skateboard stick, unloading it's rider, if feet don't hit the pavement running...ouch!
So I suppose, one needs vehicle to slow when planning abandon, or, if moving swiftly, hit the ground running quickly. For some reason, life never seems to slow when jumping off for me, maybe because I prefer it that way, or maybe because I am just too nice. Life seems to pile up for me, moving from one thing to the next with youthful abandon, and at age 55, my feet don't work like they used to. So this time I planned to jump off the hamster wheel of retail at Lowe's onto the already moving train in ministry...and we'll see how it works out...
I should have put my notice in at Lowe's and just left, weeks ago, but being the nice guy, with a key associate taking a month off for vacation, I stayed to cover and 'help out', until his return. Now finding my feet moving under me, I jumped from one vehicle, hitting the street momentarily, jumping onto the next. Thankful that the lessons learned at Lowe's achieved, I find myself joyfully on the train moving in ministry (assistant pastoring), while continuing working as Facilities Manager at a preschool and finishing up some construction work for a friend's rental. Then, I need to finish some projects around the home, several projects. And, I am looking forward to getting them done!
It is early (5:15 am) and I have already been awake for a while. I have already connected with some friends (in different time zones), one who is traveling to the Mayo Clinic to follow up on a procedure he had a little over a week ago, healing usually slow for him, but this time much faster, and I did ask God to provide that for my friend. Another friend was brought to mind (praying for him and his upcoming union) as I sipped a coffee he recommended in Bosnia while there last year, he not there this year as he is engaged and getting married. Checking Facebook, I got updated on someone from a family in our congregation whose daughter is having severe, life-threatening issues, praying for them all 'in the midst'; for medical wisdom and peace as they move through all the 'stuff' that is on their plate. Facebook also led me to a past student requesting prayer as he 'loses some wisdom' in surgical mouth procedure this morning, so I let him know I'd prayed and will be praying for successful surgery and healing.
I suppose this blog serves to confirm 'the pastor' I am to so many already, the vehicle already moving but this time, not jumping off. The adventure of this life, moving from career to career with all the skills and talents pressed into me has brought me here, to a place of great peace. I'm not sure what you think when you think 'pastor', but I'd like to think a pastor is one who places meager gifts on the table before our Lord, being His advocate for care and wisdom imparted into the lives of those He draws near. I've discovered 'pastoring' is more listening first, abundant, secluded prayer, letting Him tell me what His plan is for His people as we move, together, forward. God leads me into the presence of people everywhere, stores, restaurants, offices, home, and I believe He wants to transform me and others as we walk this life together.
I have so many friends in so many places, and I sincerely love them all, and they have shown me that they love me too! Praying for them, I also know they pray for me as I embark on this new journey late in life; or maybe it isn't such a new journey, but one I've been on for a long time, the caring for and with people. What is a pastor to you? Who would you consider 'pastorly' in your life? Is your life filled with God's wisdom? Or man's? From whom do you draw your 'strength'? Your 'peace'?
One other thing I think about 'pastors' is that our job is best accomplished when someone doesn't remember us, but rather what The Holy Spirit said to them, His volumes of wisdom and work transforming God's people a bit at a time, just as He does in me, for we are ALL called to be priests of The Most High for His glory alone. We are all called to be encouragers of faith in one another. We are all called to pray; all called to serve...together. Not just pastors. All of us.
I am willing to lead, but am praying for followers; not of me, but my Lord. Willing to work in the background I believe we will see His results with His power for His glory as we care for one another. It is time to join the calling for care using our lives, letting the Spirit fan into flames the good works He intends us do, for this we are... all called.
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