Remembering a friend

I want to share with you a story about someone who use to attend my church (MCC Albuquerque) but moved away a few years ago.  Edrick was our building maintenance person and I remember his presence at our building, tinkering around with projects.  He was faithful and followed through on all the projects he had on his list. 

After I arrived as Pastor the list grew and Edrick always completed his projects with a cheerful heart. Even when his partner was sick with terminal cancer, he made sure the building needs were taken care of.  After the death of his partner he decided to leave Albuqueruqe and move to Denver.  I  mourned  his loss just as I mourned the loss of his partner. 

Edrick is now in Hospice care in Denver with terminal cancer.   I have surrounded him with my prayers these last few days as he lingers between this world and the next.  My heart is heavy that he is dying but I also trust that God is with him. 

I thank God for bringing Edrick to the church I pastor.  Not only was he a faithful servant, he was always willing to tell me what he believed was right and good.  There were a few times we did not agree on an issue but we always came away loving and respecting one another. 

Perhaps you know an Edrick at your church or organization.  Someone who is always there when there is a need, faithful to any responsibility he or she has taken on.  Remember to thank them for what they do and more importantly for who they are. 

Edrick,  you are missed.   Well done my good and faithful servant.

A Time of Rest

This time last year I was on my eleven week sabbatical, spending time traveling, resting, and doing things that I don't usually have time to do when I am in full time pastor mode.  It is August and I am finally taking a week of vacation in the beautiful town of Taos, New Mexico.  After the brown of the desert in Albuquerque, the green of Taos is healing and renewing.  The mountains are beautiful and last night there was a beautiful silver moon hanging in the sky, welcoming me to this great area.

The Summer Olympics are in full swing and though I am not much of a sports fan, I do enjoy watching some of the Olympics.  The personal stories of athletes who have overcome adversity are always a welcome insight to just how hard people have to train to get to the Olympic games.

When I was younger I enjoyed swimming and even performed with a synchorized swimming group for a few years.  The rhythm of the movement in the water, staying in sync with a group of people, amazing the crowd with our agility and beauty was enjoyable as we performed at various venues.  At one time I wanted to be a professional dancer, back when television variety shows were a big hit and there was a need for professional dancers!   How I made it from professional dancing to being a pastor is anybody's guess, though I guess God had plans for me and knew that somehow, someday, I would realize what my calling really was in life!

When I look at it, being a pastor is a lot like dancing.  We do different moves and steps depending on the people and the season.  Things are always different from day to day as you never know what need might arise from the people God has called you to  lead.  In dancing you usually have a lead partner or a person who the rest of the group focuses on for the dance steps.  Being a pastor is like leading a dance as you move people through the various steps of life to which we all face.

I hope that when it is all said and done that people will say about me that maybe I wasn't the best dancer, but that I was a good pastor.  That I showed how much I love the people within the congregation and community to which I am called.  That I made a difference in at least a few lives.  That I was a reflection of God's love and passionate about social justice and equality.  

The town of Taos calls me and I am headed out to eat at one of my favorite restaurants.  Perhaps the moon will gift me with its silver beauty again tonite.  Perhaps I will be bold enough to dance with God in the moonlight as I give thanks for the life I have been given and to what I have been called to do and be in my small part of the world.

How is it with you and your soul?  Are you dancing with God to the life to which you have been called?  Share your stories with me!

Blessings and peace to all.

The Bracelet

I have a collection of silver bracelets which I wear often.  Several of them belonged to my late mother, and the presence of her bracelets is a reminder to me that she is near.  I ended up misplacing one of the silver bracelets and spent several months searching for it.  Under the bed, in the closet, in drawers, I looked and looked.   I finally made an uneasy peace with the idea that I probably would not see the bracelet again.

As suddenly as my bracelet disappeared it suddenly reappeared when I friend found the missing bracelet under her sofa!  What joy it was to slip the bracelet back on my wrist, along with the other silver bracelets.  To me it was a small miracle that my bracelet was found and I could once again wear it alongside the other silver bands.

I was reminded of the parables of Jesus about the lost sheep, lost coin and the prodigal son.
In the Gospel of Luke we have a story about a woman who lost a coin.

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:8-10

How many times do we wander away from God, shutting off our relationship with the One who created us?  We get "busy," or caught up in our stuff, and forget that God is there for us in our daily lives?  How often do we just snack on the feast which God prepares for us, when we could have a full banquet? 

Too often we chase after things that will not bring us the fullness of life which we so  long for.  We seek comfort or guidance from our friends and neglect to spend time in prayer with God.  We look for answers to our problems or spend hours worrying over things of which we have no control. 

The image of the woman searching for her lost coin reminds me of my search for a bracelet.  It also reminds that God is always there, embracing me, calling me to the deeper life.    There is no need to get frantic or panic.  I need only to trust in God that all will be well. 

Waking Up!

Sunday morning I woke up to a light dusting of snow.  The Sandia mountains were beautiful, with what looked like a sprinkling of sugar  atop the mountains.  And now we have reached the 70's!  Warm sunshine and signs of spring are here!

Lent is one of those times of which I have found memories.  Even when I was much younger - a child - I can remember how I looked forward to Lent.  It was always a thrill to "give up" something for Lent, like chocolate or soda pop!  When Easter Day finally came I would return to that which I gave up.

I am much older now and view things differently.  If I give up something for Lent is more around giving up something that gets in the way with me living the life God has blessed me with.  In the past years some of the "things"  I have given up include worrying too much, fretting over things I can't change, and the need to try and be perfect.

I focus more of my energy during Lent in "taking something on" such as extra prayer time, more times of silence or giving myself the gift of a retreat.  I can't help but wonder if God prefers we take on something that will strengthen our faith journey than our sacrifice of giving up chocolate or those wonder Dr. Pepper Soda's I enjoy.

Lent calls each of us to "do something" that will assist us in our faith journey.  There is no right or wrong way to embrace Lent.  We can choose to sacrifice, take on something, or do nothing special, the invitation to new life is open to all.   A new life which frees us from the fear, worry and stress that are so prevalent in our culture.

It will soon be time to put on our Easter clothes, claiming the power of that first Easter morning which is still in our world today.  It is a power that enables each one of us to overcome the obstacles and struggles we all face.   Lent prepares us to make that journey to the empty tomb and discover instead new life.

Come, let us go together and experience all the possibilities around us!

Divine Encounters

It was Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. day.  On Monday's I seldom go into the church office to work, but on this day I had a few appointments with families who were off in honor of MLK.  I had finished my appointments and was just tending to a few things when the doorbell rings.  I go to answer and a young woman carrying an empty bucket reaches out, shakes my hand and greets me.

I racked my brain trying to remember her, but indeed she was a stranger. She asked if I could help her.  She was working at the new Turkish Community Center and their water pipe had broke.  A group of women were at the Center trying to clean and could she get a bucket of water? 

Immediately I responded YES and showed her to our kitchen.  Meanwhile I started looking for an extra bucket or two that she could take back filled with water.  I told her that I am usually not here on Monday and she shared with me she had been driving around looking for a place that was open.  I said it must have been a "divine appointment" and she immediately said there are no coincidences - that "Allah is good."  I nodded in agreement and said how God is so good.

She said she was of the Islamic faith and I told her that I believed in a God of many names with different paths to that God.  I also shared with her that their Community Center has a friend here at the church I pastor.  She said they have an "interfaith group" that is reaching out to build bridges between the different faiths.

Currently there is a lot of mistrust of people who profess to be of the Islamic faith.  Post 9/11 people are afraid of what they do not know or understand.  We tend to lump people into groups so if a few from one group do something harmful then everyone in that group is out to harm others.

Divine encounters happen daily.  Too often we are so busy we don't take time when we have an encounter with a stranger to see how God just might be moving to widen our circle.  On Martin Luther King, Jr Day we remember the life and legacy of this great prophet of God.  A man who believed in love and justice and was willing to take a stand. 

I extended the hand of friendship to a woman from Turkey, of the Islamic faith.  I told her they had a friend and ally at our church and if they ever needed anything to please let me know.  I welcomed her to the neighborhood and as she pulled off I asked God to bless her and her community.

So, my friend, how about your divine encounters?  When does God show up to renew your spirit through an encounter with a stranger?   This week open your heart and prepare for those moments when God breaks into our daily routine and reminds us of the web of life which connects us all together. 

The Mystery

We each search for meaning and to find our purpose in life.  We ask that burning, sometimes haunting question Why?   Psychologists say there is a part of our brain that seeks a Divine Being and since the beginning of time humanity has created a being which is in control.

For me God is the Mystery - the One in which I live and move and have my being.  The mystery that God came to us through Jesus is as real to me as my need for air and water.  I make my way to the manger, lighting candles, listening to those Carols that remind us of shepherds, angels, and the desire of humanity for peace and love. 

I sit in the quiet and experience the Mystery as the days grow shorter and colder.  My spirit is warmed and I know I am loved. 

God bless.

Rejoice!

Today is the third Sunday of Advent - a Sunday in which we are encouraged to rejoice always!  Our Advent door is open and we are given the invitation to make the journey to Christmas Day.  I sometimes feel as if I am walking on holy ground and like Moses, I too want to take my shoes off as I focus on what these days mean for me and the gift I find in Jesus.

While the challenges of this season surround us, we are reminded that God acted in the past, acts today, and will act in the future.  We may be waiting for medical tests results, watching a loved one prepare to die, or struggling with finances - there are a multitide of challenges we all face.  Our loving God will give us the strength and grace to move through them as a natural part of this life. 

I continue my own journey to Bethlehem, guided by the love of God and my desire to serve God more each day.  I learn to shed my own burdens and trust in God's faithfulness as I minister to others and give God thanks for each and every person that is placed in my path.

Rejoice always!  And again I say rejoice!  Take time this week to reflect on your own joys in this season of Advent. 

God bless.