I am mostly on Sabbatical to rest and recharge. In the last few weeks I have been doing a lot of resting - days filled with no plans or schedules. I am enjoying the time but the change is a challenge.
The stories of Moses and the Israelities have been calling to me these last few weeks and I have enjoyed reading about Moses and the wilderness experience.
The Israelites had to face their enemy and God gave them instructions. Moses was to hold up his hands and as long as he did that, the Israelites would win. After a few hours his arms got tired. When he put his arms down the other side would win.
So the people put a stone under Moses' arms and two people held them steady. The Israelites experienced victory.
I give God thanks for the many people who have held up my arms in ministry. The journey has been long filled with many miles, many faces, and many places. For the people who have supported me I say to you, thank you for believing in me to be a messenger of God to the people of God.
How often do we hold up the hands of each other when we get tired? Or offer to take up some of the burdens of another working along side of us in ministry?
Another Saturday night with nothing to do to get ready for worship in the morning. A strange feeling.
I miss my church - the joy, the love that is given one to the other. In the next few weeks I will begin visiting other churches in the area to see what it is like.
I will close for now.
And how your church misses you Pastor. Take comfort and rest assured your flock continues to bless one another and others in the spirit of love, respect and kindness.
ReplyDeleteWhile Mama Bear is away from her den, all the bear cubs hold each other up and work to maintain the lovely and loving faithful community that Mama Bear-Maynard would expect and hope for during her absence. Peace & Love 2U always Dear Pastor Judy ~ xo, me