As I sit in the Court Street Grill, reviewing things for tomorrow and getting things done for the coming weeks, I was just reminded that about 2 weeks ago I would have celebrated the 18th anniversary of my ordination. I was in Lincoln, Nebraska, at my home congregation, everything I owned was in boxes and on Monday, the day after my ordination I would move to Saginaw, MI to begin a new call--not only a new congregation, a brand new call in life.
I was scared, hesitant. What if seminary didn't teach me what I needed to know? What if people didn't like me? What if I really messed up? It didn't take long to figure out that seminary didn't teach me everything I needed to know, not everyone liked me, and I could really mess up! That was 18 years ago.
The same is true today. I am now in my third call, serving now with the people of Ascension. Seminary didn't teach me everything I needed to know. Not everyone likes me or what I do all the time, and I can never live up to everyone's expectations of me. And, I can still really mess up!
I have learned in the 18 years about forgiveness, perseverance, and grace. I believe when I started in my first call I had to do everything perfectly--so I did everything myself! (we can unpack that one later). I learned in my second call that I can't do everything, nor should I. And in this third call, I try not to do everything, and at the same time find sometimes I just do.
Looking forward to another 18 years of this wonderful journey.
