Reunions

Saturday night I had my 10 year high school reunion. I can not believe that it has been ten years since I graduated. Sometimes, it seems like just yesterday that I was caught up in the drama that comes with being in high school. Then, on other days, it seems like ages ago. I know that I am a very different person than I was 10 years and I'll be the first to say that being a minister was definitely NOT on the radar. Yet, when I showed up at the reunion it seemed like I had traveled in a time machine. We were, on the most part, sitting with our own cliques. As one friend said, "It's like sitting in the lunch room again." Don't get me wrong, there was some mingling...but mostly we stayed close to our friends.

It was interesting to see what some people are doing with their lives and to see that they have accomplished so much. Then, there were some who haven't really done anything since graduation and are stuck in time. (Please, we are 28 and they were playing beer pong!) Overall, not what I expected, but I am glad that I went.

It is amazing to see how God works in our lives and what God calls us to do. I am thankful that I am not the same person I was in high school and I am thankful for great group of friends I grew up with who have supported and encouraged me along the way; friends I met 20 years ago with whom I can't imagine my life without. I wonder...will our 20th be the same? Hopefully no beer pong. Hopefully surrounded by friends and remembering the drama and the events that helped to shape us.

Life

Life. Life is complicated. Life is wonderful. Life is short. Life is hard. Life is beautiful. Life is a gift.

A few days ago, the congregation I serve, and the community I live in, lost a dear friend. He died suddenly Thursday morning. Now everyone is dealing with shock, grief, and sadness. This man was not perfect but he was a truly good man who loved deeply. He was also thankful for the gift of life. He was thankful for his wife and family. He was thankful for the ability to serve God. He was thankful for his gift of music.

I say that he was thankful because I KNOW he was. Why? Because he took every opportunity to say it. He told his loved ones that he loved them. He told the church how much he loved the community that surrounded him and believed 100% in the mission and ministry they are doing. He also sang and played music from his heart...a gift that he used to bring glory to God and joy to people.

How often we tell/show others what we are thankful for? Do we tell those we love that we are thankful for what they bring to our lives? Do we share with people the blessings in our lives? How good are we at telling God we are thankful? Thankful for the gifts that have been given to us. Thankful for the gift of family(however you define family). Thankful for the gift of second chances. Thankful for the gift of life.

Each day is precious. Life is precious. How do you show your thankfulness?

Duke Therapy

For those of you who do not know who this beautiful boxer dog is....his name is Duke and he is my 100lb. 2 year old. He can be quite a handful! I spent the entire day at a conference for 'Safe Sanctuaries' and it was an excellent presentation. I knew that I would be gone all day (plus and hour drive each way) and that it would be a long day for Duke in his crate. He didn't seem to be too mad at me when I arrived home. I swear that sometimes he has no idea how long he has been alone. I just took a picture of him after his evening "freak out". He will take his purple toy in his mouth and run around the house like crazy. It is quite entertaining and I just step aside during the episode. Sometimes I wish I had his energy! More than anything though I enjoy his company(especially for keeping my feet warm while I sleep) even if he is a terror at times. He is also a work in progress! Sometimes, in the busy hectic world of parish ministry, he is the only thing that can keep me sane....and through the grace of God.~

Might as well try

So, I am new to this whole blogging thing and I hope that I can keep it up! I have wanted to do it for a long time now, but just got around to it. It is almost 9pm and ready to rest a bit before bed. It was nice to have most of the day off (Veterans Day). We celebrated Veterans Day in church on Sunday and I was amazed at the number of men and women who have served in the armed forces. There were a ton! I truly am grateful for their service and their courage. The prayer I shared with the congregation was:

God of the ages,

We thank You for all who have served in the armed forces of this country.

We thank You for the freedom their sacrifice has earned and guarded for us.

Help us to prize this freedom and use it well.

We ask You to bless all living veterans in a special way today,

as well as the families of all veterans.

Comfort those who grieve for those who gave the last full measure of devotion. Strengthen those who bear physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds.

Stand with those who provide care to them.

Move us to reach out to sisters and brothers who are veterans,

or relatives of veterans, or who currently serve in the military.

We pray for the day when no one needs to serve in the military.

Help us to live now in anticipation of that day, as people who long for peace,

who pray for peace, and who seek to be peacemakers in this world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I did not write the prayer and can not track down the author but it touched me. So, as I sit here thinking about the day I had 'free' from work, I am reminded of all those who have served this country and risked their lives. I also hope and pray for a day when there will be no need for a military; when peace is more than something we hope for and becomes a reality.~