Saturday, July 29, 2017

18 years reflection

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. 

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