Bev's Blog

May 7, 2009

 

I can't believe that it's been so long since I logged on to share some thoughts.  Where does time fritter to anyway?  Even when we are eager for something wonderful -- time can seem to pass to slowly yet before we've even turned our heads (metaphorically speaking) the wonderful event is here.  I seems like it was yesterday and I had just found out I would be moving to Grace UMC as the pastor.  But come next month, I will have been your pastor for one year!  Amazing!

 

I have so enjoyed getting to know you all.  It is such fun -- discovering where everything is located.  Today, I had my first experience trying to find a mop!  I figured it might be in the "janitor's closet" but I wasn't sure I had a key.  OK, I knew I had a key I just didn't know which one was the magic one to open it up.  So with keys in hand, I began my "adventure".  First one key, then another then Woo Hoo!  I found THE one to open up the closet and as I suspected -- the mop was there. 

 

See, still more surprises.  Wonder what tomorrow will bring?  It seems to me that surprises are just what makes following Jesus such an adventure.  (Not the kind I had today looking for a mop) but real adventures.  You might help someone who needs something to eat (rice and beans anyone?) or you might be asked to teach a Sunday School class (something you said you'd never do, yet...)  Who knows what direction you will go?  That's the fun -- and the risk. 

 

Yes, I said risk.  That's the part of following Jesus that makes us a little skittish.  We wonder -- will I have to do something far off, or with someone scary?  Well, I've come to the conclusion you might need to shore up your courage a time or too but God's not in the fear businesss.  God is in the love business.  So, the riskiest thing you may be called to do is love your family -- even when you're embarrassed by goofy uncle or a mean aunt.  Or maybe you'll have to stand up in church and talk about why you give money. 

 

But you know what else I've discovered.  When I'm most outside my comfort zone, God steps in and gives me just enough courage and power and knowledge to not just do OK but to glorify God.  It's just amazing.

 

One of the things about this time of year (you know, Mother's Day is Sunday), people begin to talk with such flowery words about mom.  But you know what us moms really wish -- that everyday -- not just on one Sunday a year -- you let us know we really matter to you.  How you may ask do I do that?  Simple (not easy)  See where you can give mom a hand or a call or a visit. 

 

As a mom, I just love to hear my son's voice.  Really -- that's it.  I just love to hear him call and say, "Hi!"  Now, as much as I love gifts, that's the best ever.  If you ask your mom, wonder what she'll say?  So...  Why don't you show some God-love to mom this week end.  More later.