Good Morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It’s a beautiful morning! My understanding is that it’s going to get warm today. It seems like a great day for the park.
This past Sunday we held our blood drive. As of this writing we had 17 units. So, Peace saved up to 51 lives, and we could get more units added to our count. I big thanks to all those who donated or even tried to donate. You made a difference in someone’s life.
Thanks to Dean Marshall for filling the pulpit this past Sunday. I really appreciate it.
We have Palm Sunday coming up as we move into Holy Week. There will be a Maundy Thursday service and a Good Friday service, both at 6:30 p.m. on their corresponding days.
Pastor in Action
This past week has been extremely busy for me. Last night I attended a Commission of Care meeting. Many things get covered in these meetings. Last night we worked on how to stay in touch with all the retired pastors in the area for a start. Along the way we discussed how churches who have shrunk over the years might merger with other like congregations. We also discussed certain congregations as they look for their next pastor, and procedures for commissioning ruling elders to ordered ministry. The CoC covers a lot of work.
I spent this past weekend, from Thursday through Sunday afternoon, at Camp Calvin Crest serving at Great Plains Pilgrimage #34. For those who are counting, I delivered 2 talks, served communion 3 times, participated in several other events, and was available the entire time for anyone who wanted to talk or pray. (This introvert is still recovering.) It’s a great weekend where new friendships are formed, and people have some wonderful experiences.
Message
So something happened this weekend that I can’t really share. What I can share is a thought process, and I think it’s important.
I know I’m supposed to preach that we should not worry. God tells us through the Bible many, many times, not to worry. And, rightfully so. Worrying lets our imagination go wild which in turn usually makes things out to be worse than they are. Furthermore, worrying drives up our blood pressure, reduces our sleep, and generally makes life miserable.
However, I know, you and I are both going to worry. We worry about money, that cancer diagnosis, are relatives, politics, the economy, and this list could go on for pages and pages. We all have something we fret about.
I think I stunned someone when I told them I wouldn’t tell them not to worry. This person in turn told me they knew worrying didn’t help. I also told them I wouldn’t ask them to stop breathing. When we have something weighing on our minds in life, it is very hard if not impossible not to focus on it. Medical issues are right at the top of the list. When we are waiting for that diagnosis, it’s hard. Frankly, it’s brutal. (I have some other words for it.)
So, if I’m not going to tell someone not to worry, what are my options. Well, I would encourage someone to focus on the moment. We only live in the moment, not in the past or future. We only have now. That is, love now. Pay attention to the person in front of you. Do something distracting like reading a book, playing a game, quilting, crocheting, or whatever can hold your attention. Yes, even binge watching your favorite television show can actually help occasionally.
When we keep ourselves in the moment, it does several things. One, it’s healthier. It keeps our blood pressure measured, and, hopefully, lets us sleep better. It also helps us to keep a clear head and work problems more objectively, and thus more efficiently. By being in the moment we are able to celebrate those moments with loved ones. We miss less, and rejoice more.
I think this person was surprised when I said I wasn’t going to tell them not to worry. Instead, I offered more healthy options. I am well aware when we have struggles, myself included, we wake up and go to sleep with those struggles. However, we can control our responses. The worries won’t leave, but they can be managed. Also, don’t hesitate to engage friends and family in this process. They really can help.
I know Scripture tells us not to worry, but I would also point to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He to struggled. And, he to focused on the moment as his journey progressed. In this season of Lent, and in life, let us all be mindful of where we are, and put a little faith in Christ for the future.
Friends, I know life is challenging, but I have found that with each of you, the journey is more joyful. I give thanks to God for you, and your love.
Blessings and Peace
Brian Long