Five years ago, a stranger walked into my office to talk about a faith journey. He had just undergone surgery for kidney cancer... and when the anesthesia wore off, he discovered that he had been "born anew." They hadn't cured his cancer, but when he was in the recovery room, he made an iron-clad commitment to live for God. He had always been a "nice guy." Everyone knew that, but when he came out of surgery he had decided to be a Christian. He had decided to embrace Christ as his Savior, and he was determined to live as if Christ was also his Lord... which is where we came in. He needed a place to live out his faith and so... he returned to the church where he and his wife had been married a few years before. Neither he nor his wife were particularly "churchy," and neither one of them had a denomination in mind... but they (he more than her) wanted to start a Christian journey. They joined our church in time, giving our leadership board a powerful testimony of faith, and they threw themselves into church work, Christian service, and Christian music. He helped us improve and maintain our property. She put together huge events like our annual rummage sale and served on our leadership board, and her mother (although she never joined the church) began to bake cakes and cookies for our fellowship hour and other events. They added a lot to our church... but
His cancer had metastasized, his kidney function was badly compromised, and he picked up a life-threatening infection. Over time his health worsened and he left his longtime job as a car salesman. His wife resigned from her leadership positions at church and began to work more and more from home. Then... his remaining kidney failed and he began dialysis, but through it all... he remained faithful and hopeful. Nothing could wipe the smile from his face or the praise from his lips! Indeed, he became an evangelist through FB and continually proclaimed God's grace and steadfast love. He had already led his wife and several other members of his own family to the Lord... but he wanted the whole world that God is good. Day after day he lifted his voice in praise, and he never ever... gave up. He never quit...but in the end, he accepted his Father's will. He had become much weaker and was beginning to fall. To make matters worse, he needed additional surgery that would probably not work and which he would probably not survive. He could see that his time had arrived, and he knew it was time to go home. So, he did. Even as he had decided to live with faith, he decided to die with faith... and he never wavered from either decision.
He set his face toward heaven last Friday... and his family and friends began to visit Saturday. As always, he greeted each one with smile and engaging words... as his 40 year-old wife held his hand. I told him that he had strengthened my own faith and left a huge imprint on our church. His sincerity was unquestionable. He trust was undeniable...and his commitment to live out his faith was unmistakable. Through all the struggles, he was at peace... and his wife was always strong! She said that if she started to cry, she would never stop- so she didn't cry. She stayed the course... as he quietly departed. Last night I delivered a copy of Jase Robertson's new book to them because they share my wife's love for the Robertsons... and as I left the hospital there was a rainbow as big as the sky, reminding me of God's giant "yes" to humanity and also that Jeff's decision to "let go and let God" was indeed a "Good Call," which is the title of Robertson's book.
This morning, just before 7am, Kelly called and told us that Jeff had died, and I went to the hospital to join the family in their grieving, to offer a little support, and to say a prayer or two. There were enough tears to go around... but the room was also filled with faith. At last, they carried his body away and we all went our way as well. We will gather again this Saturday for a Celebration of Life. But for the moment, Jeff is free to dance and Kelly is free to cry.
Jeff Arduser, you brought many people to the Lord, you set an example of what it means to be a "Christian," you kept the faith, you fought the good fight, and you even fought to keep me as your pastor. You shared the old, old story, you lived out your faith, and you died with grace, reaching out ... as if Jesus was beckoning to you! No one could have possibly done more, Jeff! Goodbye sounds so final... so I will simply say "Leheitraot," which means something like, "See you later!"
PK IN SWEDEN
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
DADDY DEAREST- A FEW THOUGHTS FOR FATHER'S DAY
"My child arrived just the other day. He came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away. And he was talkin' fore I knew it, and as he grew, he'd say, 'I'm gonna be like you dad. I'm gonna be like you.' My son turned ten just the other day. He said, 'Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play. Can you teach me to throw?' I said, 'Not today, I got a lot to do.' He said, 'That's ok,' and he walked away, but his smile never dimmed and he said, 'I'm gonna be like him, yeah. I'm gonna be like him.' I've long since retired. My son's moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, 'I'd like to see you if you don't mind.' He said, 'I'd love too, dad, if I can find the time. You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu. But it's sure nice talking to you, dad.' And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me- he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me. The song? "Cat's In the Cradle." The year? 1974. The message? Forever true... because
1. Good fathers must be good ROLE MODELS! I emphasize "good" because, whether we like it or not, we're all role models... because kids learn most of what they learn about values from what they see. So, if you miss one of their activities for work, the kids "see" that work is more important... if you dump the kids off a church while you stay home, the kids "see" that that church really isn't all that important... and if you don't treat their mother with respect, the kids "see" that she really isn't valued much. Someone wiser than me said, "What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot possibly hear what you're saying," and I've never forgotten it. In fact, I think it lies at the core of the gospel because Jesus practiced what he preached. As fathers, parents, friends, we reap what we sow... so... sow seeds of kindness, respect and love wherever you go;
2. Good fathers are PRESENT to their children because just being present... is much of what's required. Even as God was present to the saints throughout the ages, and was present to you in your moment of need, we can be present to our children when they wonder and wander, when their eyes are filled with joy... or tears. As fathers, we must be present... because nothing good can happen if we're not. In the fall of '58, my father and I played catch for the only time in my life. One time... and I still remember it. After he had dropped a ball or two, dad said, "I'm not very good at these sort of things," which was true (he wasn't)... but he was more than good enough for me;
3. Good fathers are STRONG ENOUGH TO BE GENTLE. This doesn't mean "weak" of course, and certainly not "wishy-washy," but it does mean that good fathers have enough maturity and depth to feel pain when their children are in pain, to listen when something important needs to be heard, and even to cry when tears are warranted, just as Jesus cried over Jerusalem . In Hosea's book, God reveals his heart... when he says, "It was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms. I led them with bands of love; I bent down to feed them; I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks." Yes, our God is an awesome God and tenderness is part of his strength!
4. Good fathers are AFFIRMING! In a world filled with critics, they are their children's biggest fans. Kids need to know that, when everything else runs out, their parents are on their side. I'm reminded of the true story of an Olympian who fell in a heap during the biggest race of his life. He was lying on the track, writhing in pain, when his father began to make his way quickly down from the stands, past the guards, and on to the track, where he bent down and lifted his son up. Then the two of them, arm in arm, began to walk toward the finish line. The young man finished last that day, but he didn't finish alone... because his dad walked him.
5. Like the loving father in the story we know as the Prodigal Son, good fathers are PATIENTLY FORGIVING- YES EVEN FOREVER FORGIVING. You know the story of the Prodigal Son, so I will tell you a story of an old man and a dutiful daughter who had taken care of him for years. He told her what he wanted for his funeral, and she knew that he had told her... because she could handle it. She could handle anything, and besides, she had a gorgeous voice ... so she could sing the song that he had especially requested. Well, the day arrived, and while she was arranging things up front, her neer-do-well brother walked into the funeral home- with long disheveled hair, and his most recent girlfriend. She hadn't seen him for years and now she was incensed because everyone in the room was making a fuss over him. Then... it struck her. The special song that her father had requested was for her him! It was a love song to her brother. He had never given up on the boy. He was a good father, and she vowed that she would NOT sing the song.
6. Good fathers are INTENTIONAL ABOUT BEING GOOD FATHERS, even as they are about anything else they really believe in. In his book, Good Call, Jase Robertson talks about being an intentional and loud Christian- deliberate and bold- and the same thing can be said about being a father. Let me close with an anonymous poem, "Walk a little plainer, daddy, said a little boy so frail. I'm following in your footsteps, and I don't want to fail. Sometimes your steps are very plain. Sometimes they are hard to see. So walk a little plainer, for you are leading me. I know that once you walked this way many years ago, and what you did along the way, I'd really like to know. For sometimes when I am tempted, I don't know what to do. So, walk a little plainer, daddy, for I must follow you. Finally...
7. Good fathers LEAD THEIR FAMILIES in a faith journey... because matters of faith are real and powerful, and because the grace and strength to be a good father... comes from their relationship with God the Father in the first place! If we invest in matters of faith, we will have a broader and deeper truth to offer our children, and we will know what it means to be fully human. Fathers, if we put matters of faith first, we will give our kids a wonderful gift and they will see life in ways that are truly transforming. The world will always tempt them and beat up on them, but without faith, it may well have its way with them. So... let your children see that you put your trust in God and build your life around his word. If you don't, they won't... but if you do, they will... and our Father in heaven will be pleased. Amen.
1. Good fathers must be good ROLE MODELS! I emphasize "good" because, whether we like it or not, we're all role models... because kids learn most of what they learn about values from what they see. So, if you miss one of their activities for work, the kids "see" that work is more important... if you dump the kids off a church while you stay home, the kids "see" that that church really isn't all that important... and if you don't treat their mother with respect, the kids "see" that she really isn't valued much. Someone wiser than me said, "What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot possibly hear what you're saying," and I've never forgotten it. In fact, I think it lies at the core of the gospel because Jesus practiced what he preached. As fathers, parents, friends, we reap what we sow... so... sow seeds of kindness, respect and love wherever you go;
2. Good fathers are PRESENT to their children because just being present... is much of what's required. Even as God was present to the saints throughout the ages, and was present to you in your moment of need, we can be present to our children when they wonder and wander, when their eyes are filled with joy... or tears. As fathers, we must be present... because nothing good can happen if we're not. In the fall of '58, my father and I played catch for the only time in my life. One time... and I still remember it. After he had dropped a ball or two, dad said, "I'm not very good at these sort of things," which was true (he wasn't)... but he was more than good enough for me;
3. Good fathers are STRONG ENOUGH TO BE GENTLE. This doesn't mean "weak" of course, and certainly not "wishy-washy," but it does mean that good fathers have enough maturity and depth to feel pain when their children are in pain, to listen when something important needs to be heard, and even to cry when tears are warranted, just as Jesus cried over Jerusalem . In Hosea's book, God reveals his heart... when he says, "It was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms. I led them with bands of love; I bent down to feed them; I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks." Yes, our God is an awesome God and tenderness is part of his strength!
4. Good fathers are AFFIRMING! In a world filled with critics, they are their children's biggest fans. Kids need to know that, when everything else runs out, their parents are on their side. I'm reminded of the true story of an Olympian who fell in a heap during the biggest race of his life. He was lying on the track, writhing in pain, when his father began to make his way quickly down from the stands, past the guards, and on to the track, where he bent down and lifted his son up. Then the two of them, arm in arm, began to walk toward the finish line. The young man finished last that day, but he didn't finish alone... because his dad walked him.
5. Like the loving father in the story we know as the Prodigal Son, good fathers are PATIENTLY FORGIVING- YES EVEN FOREVER FORGIVING. You know the story of the Prodigal Son, so I will tell you a story of an old man and a dutiful daughter who had taken care of him for years. He told her what he wanted for his funeral, and she knew that he had told her... because she could handle it. She could handle anything, and besides, she had a gorgeous voice ... so she could sing the song that he had especially requested. Well, the day arrived, and while she was arranging things up front, her neer-do-well brother walked into the funeral home- with long disheveled hair, and his most recent girlfriend. She hadn't seen him for years and now she was incensed because everyone in the room was making a fuss over him. Then... it struck her. The special song that her father had requested was for her him! It was a love song to her brother. He had never given up on the boy. He was a good father, and she vowed that she would NOT sing the song.
6. Good fathers are INTENTIONAL ABOUT BEING GOOD FATHERS, even as they are about anything else they really believe in. In his book, Good Call, Jase Robertson talks about being an intentional and loud Christian- deliberate and bold- and the same thing can be said about being a father. Let me close with an anonymous poem, "Walk a little plainer, daddy, said a little boy so frail. I'm following in your footsteps, and I don't want to fail. Sometimes your steps are very plain. Sometimes they are hard to see. So walk a little plainer, for you are leading me. I know that once you walked this way many years ago, and what you did along the way, I'd really like to know. For sometimes when I am tempted, I don't know what to do. So, walk a little plainer, daddy, for I must follow you. Finally...
7. Good fathers LEAD THEIR FAMILIES in a faith journey... because matters of faith are real and powerful, and because the grace and strength to be a good father... comes from their relationship with God the Father in the first place! If we invest in matters of faith, we will have a broader and deeper truth to offer our children, and we will know what it means to be fully human. Fathers, if we put matters of faith first, we will give our kids a wonderful gift and they will see life in ways that are truly transforming. The world will always tempt them and beat up on them, but without faith, it may well have its way with them. So... let your children see that you put your trust in God and build your life around his word. If you don't, they won't... but if you do, they will... and our Father in heaven will be pleased. Amen.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
I SAW JESUS THIS WEEK
When the Son of Man returns, Matthew says, he will put "the sheep" at his right hand (always preferred in ancient times) and "the goats" at his left. We, it seems, will ultimately be either sheep or goats- and important distinction because it is the sheep who obey their shepherd- and it turns out that this is only one difference between the two. If we treat those who are in need (ill, isolated, frightened, imprisoned, poor, abused, dying, or stranger to us) as if they were Jesus himself, we will be "inherit the kingdom prepared for us" and sing love songs forever. That's it! For those of you who are interested in eternity, Matthew 25 gives you your final test... and it's open-book! To pass your final exam you won't have to know a single theologian's name or belong to any particular church. Heaven will be yours...if you see and respond to Jesus as he appears in the alleyways of the city, in our meal sites and food pantries, in our used clothing stores and overcrowded emergency rooms, in our prisons and rehabilitation centers, or maybe just sitting alone in some cheap-jack nursing home. God appears in unexpected people... so be alert. If you show ALL people the grace that God has given to you- without regard to color, age, education, or sexual preference-you will ace your final exam.
But we (or should I just say "I") are too self-absorbed to take the risks or go to the effort of loving others. We are too egocentric to see Christ in the least among us and too frightened to respond when we do. Generally speaking, I take myself too seriously and I'm in too much of a hurry. Even though I know that it doesn't make sense, I find myself thinking that other people should defer to my agenda and my priorities, as if it's all about me. Sometimes I even get the notion that other people- slow drivers in the fast lane, people wearing big hats in the row in front of me, and needy people who don't seem to be trying hard enough- are deliberately raining on my parade. For instance... a few days ago, I stopped at a local restaurant to buy dinner for my wife. She hadn't been feeling well, and I thought it would be a thoughtful thing to do. So, even though I didn't have the time, I walked into Dr. Gyro's to order a Chicago-style hot dog to go. There was just one other couple in the place and I was happy... but one of them, a bent-over and ragged old man, was telling the cashier his life story. "I haven't been here in years," he said, as he tried to look around the cash register. He had to do this because he was bent double and his head was literally at the level of his waist. "I love this place," he said, "And I was really looked forward to getting here today because I don't get out much anymore." "What would you like?", the man behind the counter asked in an effort to steer the conversation away from the weather, baseball, the crime rate, and a host of other things. There was a full-grown woman with this man- perhaps his daughter- and she had trouble making up her mind too. Finally, after what seemed to be forever, they ordered and began to move away from the cash register... when the old man said, "It's too bad you don't sell chili anymore." "Oh, we sell chili, sir." "Yes, but only on certain days." "No, we sell chili every day, sir. Would you like some?" He turned to his female companion and asked, "Do you want some chili?" "No," she answered, "But you can have some chili if you want." "I don't know, maybe," he replied. "You know what," she said to the cashier,"Add a small chili to our bill and we'll take it to go." Another transaction. Another delay. Evidently they didn't know how important I am, didn't appreciate how thoughtful I am...and I was ready to walk out.
Why didn't this employee recognize that I had been waiting? Why didn't he know that he wasn't being paid to chit-chat? Why did the old man talk so much? Why wasn't he dressed better? Why couldn't the woman find the water button on the soft drink dispenser? What was I doing there anyway? And then, I heard my better voice: preacher, practice what you preach... and open your eyes to what you are really seeing! The man you saw in the restaurant- the old black man in the shabby sports coat- was not trying to make your life difficult. Didn't you hear the joy in his voice? Didn't you see that being there really was a joy to him? It HAD been a long time since he had been there and he was tickled to death. Talking to people is not as common for him as it is for you, and it was fun for him to tell his story to another person. What's wrong with that? And the part about the chili- wasn't it worth a moment of your time... for him to take a memory, home? Open your eyes and see that you were blessed to watch a moment of joy in which a stranger listened to an old man and treated him as if he was somebody special! Sometimes God appears as a magnificent sunset. Sometimes he appears as a little child with a special need. Sometimes he stands at a cash register and talks about chili to anyone who will listen. Are you listening?
Yes, I'm listening, Lord, and I promise to open my eyes... so that I will recognize Jesus when I see him in the least among us. Lord, please help me to take my eyes off my self so that I will see you when you are hungry, thirsty, lonely, abused, shut-in, shut-away, or lonely. Help me to see you in the neighbor who has always seemed odd to me, the grocery clerk who is working two jobs to make ends meet, the pregnant teen who comes to me seeking unconditional love, and as an old man who gets a kick out of a modest dining experience. Amen,
But we (or should I just say "I") are too self-absorbed to take the risks or go to the effort of loving others. We are too egocentric to see Christ in the least among us and too frightened to respond when we do. Generally speaking, I take myself too seriously and I'm in too much of a hurry. Even though I know that it doesn't make sense, I find myself thinking that other people should defer to my agenda and my priorities, as if it's all about me. Sometimes I even get the notion that other people- slow drivers in the fast lane, people wearing big hats in the row in front of me, and needy people who don't seem to be trying hard enough- are deliberately raining on my parade. For instance... a few days ago, I stopped at a local restaurant to buy dinner for my wife. She hadn't been feeling well, and I thought it would be a thoughtful thing to do. So, even though I didn't have the time, I walked into Dr. Gyro's to order a Chicago-style hot dog to go. There was just one other couple in the place and I was happy... but one of them, a bent-over and ragged old man, was telling the cashier his life story. "I haven't been here in years," he said, as he tried to look around the cash register. He had to do this because he was bent double and his head was literally at the level of his waist. "I love this place," he said, "And I was really looked forward to getting here today because I don't get out much anymore." "What would you like?", the man behind the counter asked in an effort to steer the conversation away from the weather, baseball, the crime rate, and a host of other things. There was a full-grown woman with this man- perhaps his daughter- and she had trouble making up her mind too. Finally, after what seemed to be forever, they ordered and began to move away from the cash register... when the old man said, "It's too bad you don't sell chili anymore." "Oh, we sell chili, sir." "Yes, but only on certain days." "No, we sell chili every day, sir. Would you like some?" He turned to his female companion and asked, "Do you want some chili?" "No," she answered, "But you can have some chili if you want." "I don't know, maybe," he replied. "You know what," she said to the cashier,"Add a small chili to our bill and we'll take it to go." Another transaction. Another delay. Evidently they didn't know how important I am, didn't appreciate how thoughtful I am...and I was ready to walk out.
Why didn't this employee recognize that I had been waiting? Why didn't he know that he wasn't being paid to chit-chat? Why did the old man talk so much? Why wasn't he dressed better? Why couldn't the woman find the water button on the soft drink dispenser? What was I doing there anyway? And then, I heard my better voice: preacher, practice what you preach... and open your eyes to what you are really seeing! The man you saw in the restaurant- the old black man in the shabby sports coat- was not trying to make your life difficult. Didn't you hear the joy in his voice? Didn't you see that being there really was a joy to him? It HAD been a long time since he had been there and he was tickled to death. Talking to people is not as common for him as it is for you, and it was fun for him to tell his story to another person. What's wrong with that? And the part about the chili- wasn't it worth a moment of your time... for him to take a memory, home? Open your eyes and see that you were blessed to watch a moment of joy in which a stranger listened to an old man and treated him as if he was somebody special! Sometimes God appears as a magnificent sunset. Sometimes he appears as a little child with a special need. Sometimes he stands at a cash register and talks about chili to anyone who will listen. Are you listening?
Yes, I'm listening, Lord, and I promise to open my eyes... so that I will recognize Jesus when I see him in the least among us. Lord, please help me to take my eyes off my self so that I will see you when you are hungry, thirsty, lonely, abused, shut-in, shut-away, or lonely. Help me to see you in the neighbor who has always seemed odd to me, the grocery clerk who is working two jobs to make ends meet, the pregnant teen who comes to me seeking unconditional love, and as an old man who gets a kick out of a modest dining experience. Amen,
Saturday, May 31, 2014
How to Live Life Fully- Poppy's Advice to Two Little Boys
Archer and Donald, today is May 31, 2014 and tomorrow your "poppy" will give a message for graduates who are connected to our local church. It's a tradition in the "church world" to offer words of wisdom on special occasions, although it isn't easy to add much to all of the words that graduates hear at times like this. It is my prayer that I'll be around when you graduate from high school ... but just in case God has other plans for me, let me share what I consider the "secrets to a happy and full life."
As you age, you will move from "graduation to new beginning" more than once. You will discover things that give you joy and you will experience things that give you pain. You will be confirmed and challenged, afflicted and comforted, certain and confused, loved and ignored... in no particular order and with no particular frequency. I know this because life is a journey... and journeys are all about discovery and fulfillment. Each of you is on a journey now, although you don't see it as such, and for you, it's only just begun. It's going to be more and more exciting, boys. The hills are going to get steeper and the rides are going to get faster. So... hang on... and remember these words:
1. Now is all you ever have. The past is gone, and while it can be recalled, it cannot be relived. The future belongs to God. Nothing has ever been done in the future. All things are done, discovered, and enjoyed in the now! Remember to live each moment to it fullest.
2. You have a purpose in life- find it, master it, and cling to it. I don't know what your faith will be as you go through life, but I can say that your life will be much richer if you discover what God wants you to do. Examine your tears, your passions, your abilities, and find your vocation. Remember this: your vocation is that which serves the world and also fulfills you. Find it and give yourself to it.
3. We are social creatures and our relationships are (other than our faith) the most important things we have. They really are priceless, and this is especially true of the one with whom you choose to spend your life. Remember this: if you are in the right vocation, have the right partner, and nurture your faith in God along the way, you will experience considerable joy. I promise.
4. Mother Teresa noted we can't do great things... but we can do small things with great love. Remember that. Remember that what we say and do matters. Remember that we may be an angel in someone's life, and even if we aren't, remember, too, that we fill important places in one another's lives- places that are sacred and irreplaceable.
5. A writer named Robert Fulghum has noted that "sticks and stones break our bones. but words break ou hearts." Remember this. Choose your words carefully and remember to always speak the truth in love!
6. The most important things in life are invisible. Things like love, honor, faith, hope, integrity... are unseen.... We can see their results, but we can't actually see them. They are THE stuff of life, and yet we cannot grab, own, measure, or control any of them, not even for a moment. Remember this when people tell you to believe only what you see.
7. Remember this: YOU are a child of God and God loves you in ways that you will never fully understand. Boys, your "poppy" is a pastor... and a man who discovered forgiveness, freedom, and purpose... by accepting Jesus as his Christ and Lord. You may or may not make the same choice, but please remember that God loves you in the fullest sense of the word.
8. You will encounter forks in the road from time to time. Some of them will be unimportant, but others may be life-changing, even life-threatening. They will not only affect the direction in which you go, but also the people with whom you associate and even the values that define you. When you will reach forks in the road that are really, really critical. remember to take the road less traveled... always...with no exceptions.
9. Every beautiful person I know... has known pain... because pain has a way of deepening us and giving us insight into who we are and what's really important. I don't want either of you to experience pain, but when you do, remember this: never let your wounds keep you down or define you.
10 Life is an opportunity which will be richer if you know who and whose you are! From time to time, people will say, "Where did the time go?" or "Is this all there is?" or "Why am I here?" They ask these questions because they have never learned what I am asking you (and all of our church members) to remember today: the purpose of life is to"live in and out of God's grace-filled love." Do this... and you will graduate with honors... from the school of life- the only one that matters in the end. Can I hear an "amen"?
As you age, you will move from "graduation to new beginning" more than once. You will discover things that give you joy and you will experience things that give you pain. You will be confirmed and challenged, afflicted and comforted, certain and confused, loved and ignored... in no particular order and with no particular frequency. I know this because life is a journey... and journeys are all about discovery and fulfillment. Each of you is on a journey now, although you don't see it as such, and for you, it's only just begun. It's going to be more and more exciting, boys. The hills are going to get steeper and the rides are going to get faster. So... hang on... and remember these words:
1. Now is all you ever have. The past is gone, and while it can be recalled, it cannot be relived. The future belongs to God. Nothing has ever been done in the future. All things are done, discovered, and enjoyed in the now! Remember to live each moment to it fullest.
2. You have a purpose in life- find it, master it, and cling to it. I don't know what your faith will be as you go through life, but I can say that your life will be much richer if you discover what God wants you to do. Examine your tears, your passions, your abilities, and find your vocation. Remember this: your vocation is that which serves the world and also fulfills you. Find it and give yourself to it.
3. We are social creatures and our relationships are (other than our faith) the most important things we have. They really are priceless, and this is especially true of the one with whom you choose to spend your life. Remember this: if you are in the right vocation, have the right partner, and nurture your faith in God along the way, you will experience considerable joy. I promise.
4. Mother Teresa noted we can't do great things... but we can do small things with great love. Remember that. Remember that what we say and do matters. Remember that we may be an angel in someone's life, and even if we aren't, remember, too, that we fill important places in one another's lives- places that are sacred and irreplaceable.
5. A writer named Robert Fulghum has noted that "sticks and stones break our bones. but words break ou hearts." Remember this. Choose your words carefully and remember to always speak the truth in love!
6. The most important things in life are invisible. Things like love, honor, faith, hope, integrity... are unseen.... We can see their results, but we can't actually see them. They are THE stuff of life, and yet we cannot grab, own, measure, or control any of them, not even for a moment. Remember this when people tell you to believe only what you see.
7. Remember this: YOU are a child of God and God loves you in ways that you will never fully understand. Boys, your "poppy" is a pastor... and a man who discovered forgiveness, freedom, and purpose... by accepting Jesus as his Christ and Lord. You may or may not make the same choice, but please remember that God loves you in the fullest sense of the word.
8. You will encounter forks in the road from time to time. Some of them will be unimportant, but others may be life-changing, even life-threatening. They will not only affect the direction in which you go, but also the people with whom you associate and even the values that define you. When you will reach forks in the road that are really, really critical. remember to take the road less traveled... always...with no exceptions.
9. Every beautiful person I know... has known pain... because pain has a way of deepening us and giving us insight into who we are and what's really important. I don't want either of you to experience pain, but when you do, remember this: never let your wounds keep you down or define you.
10 Life is an opportunity which will be richer if you know who and whose you are! From time to time, people will say, "Where did the time go?" or "Is this all there is?" or "Why am I here?" They ask these questions because they have never learned what I am asking you (and all of our church members) to remember today: the purpose of life is to"live in and out of God's grace-filled love." Do this... and you will graduate with honors... from the school of life- the only one that matters in the end. Can I hear an "amen"?
Saturday, May 24, 2014
NO GREATER LOVE THAN THIS!
There are teddy bears… and high school
rings… and old photographs that mamas bring.
There’s combat boots that he used to wear… when he was sent over there. There’s
cigarettes and there’s cans of beer and notes that say “I miss you dear.” And
children who don’t say anything at all/ There’s purple hearts and packs of gum- fatherless daughters and
fatherless sons… and there’s 50,000 names carved in the wall/ They come from
all across this land… in pickups trucks and mini vans, searching for a boy from
long ago. They scan the wall and find his name. The teardrops fall like pouring
rain and silently they leave a gift and go/ There’s stars of David and rosary
beads and crucifixion figurines and flowers of all colors… large and
small. There’s a Boy Scout badge and a
merit pin- little American flags waving in the wind…. and there’s 50,000 names
in the wall. Lyrics from a song by George Jones... to which I can only say "amen." Many of us have stood before them in awe…. because they stand for men and women who died
for our freedom.
When Sherry and I visited the Viet Nam Memorial, we walked on sacred ground. We were surrounded by people, but we walked in silence. Everyone did, and their eyes teared up as they read one name and then another. The Viet Nam Memorial is sacred, and so are the crosses that fill Flanders Fields... in memory of those who died in the war that was supposed to end all wars. Some of you will recognize the poem that John McCrae wrote in tribute to a dear friend who lies beneath one of its crosses. He wrote it in 1915 and it goes like this: In Flanders Fields the poppies blow beneath the crosses, row on row, that mark our place, and in the sky… the larks, still bravely singing, fly/ We are dead... short days ago. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields/ Take up our quarrel with the foe, to you with failing hands we throw. The torch be yours and hold it high/ If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow… in Flanders fields.
When Sherry and I visited the Viet Nam Memorial, we walked on sacred ground. We were surrounded by people, but we walked in silence. Everyone did, and their eyes teared up as they read one name and then another. The Viet Nam Memorial is sacred, and so are the crosses that fill Flanders Fields... in memory of those who died in the war that was supposed to end all wars. Some of you will recognize the poem that John McCrae wrote in tribute to a dear friend who lies beneath one of its crosses. He wrote it in 1915 and it goes like this: In Flanders Fields the poppies blow beneath the crosses, row on row, that mark our place, and in the sky… the larks, still bravely singing, fly/ We are dead... short days ago. We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields/ Take up our quarrel with the foe, to you with failing hands we throw. The torch be yours and hold it high/ If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow… in Flanders fields.
My father flew a transport plane in WW2, to the front lines and back, and he took part in the liberation of prisoners from Hitler's concentration centers. My uncles, Delmer and Louis, took part in the war as well. They made it home alive, but 400,000 died in a war that still didn't end all wars- my father’s co-pilot, Kenny, included, and perhaps someone in your family, among them. There graves fill cemeteries throughout our land- and each one must be remembered because there is no greater love than to lay one’s life down and no greater honor than simply being remembered. Today, we are invited to remember. It is a day when we should slow down and let the voices of those who really did love freedom more than life... speak to us. From the first young man who died in our War of Independence to the next young soldier who will die in a foreign land, we have been blessed to walk among seemingly ordinary people who have the stuff of heroes on the inside. They have stared evil in the face. They have carried the fight to those who would take our lives. They've taken the narrow road, knowing that life is not worth the living if people can't be free. They were Christians, Jews, Muslims, and nothing at all; but they all loved honor and freedom more than life ... and we are called to remember them this weekend! I'm not against cookouts and fun in the sun. Lord knows that such moments give us joy and hold our communities together, but in the midst of the good times, we ought to embrace those who laid down their lives for us... because there is no greater love than this.
But as Christians, we are also called to remember the One who laid down his life for us! In a far away place, almost exactly 2000 years ago, a Jew hung on a Roman cross... and died to set us free from the bondage to self and sin. Despite the warnings that the prophets gave, we were never able to love God with all of our hearts or love our neighbors as ourselves. So God's Son, considering divinity as something not worth clinging to, emptied himself of it, came down to earth, and lived among us. He taught about God's love, healed the sick, and challenged practices that were punitive and unjust. He was full of beauty and grace, but still, we didn't listen. So, he paid for our sins himself and remembered a man who was being crucified next to him. Then he rose in victory over death and appeared to Mary and the others, commissioning them to go and tell the "good news" to men and women in every nation. He told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would empower them and help them "remember" what he had said and done. He also instituted the Lord's Supper, saying, "This is my body; take, eat, in remembrance of me," and concerning the cup, "whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me."
Remembering is an empowering thing. It keeps us connected and aware of who and whose we are. Remembering is an important thing... but it is NOT as important as living AS IF we remember, which may be why Jesus said, "those who love me keep my word." Those who know me will follow me. Those who love me will keep my words. They will take the same path that I have taken, They will mourn for a broken world, forgive 70 x 7, feed those who need to be fed, make praying a way of life, and lay down their lives for me. When it comes to those whom we love and admire, remembering is more of an embrace than a passing thought and when it comes to the One whom we call Lord, remembering is not a thought at all. It is a way of life. Amen!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
"JOY TO THE WORLD"- SING IT LOUD!
Take it from your Poppy, Archer- joy is an incredible thing. Money can't but it, and poverty can't snuff it out. It is bigger than fun, and it's deeper than pleasure... although I don't consider either one to be at odds with joy. Joy bubbles up from deep within, and it's a feeling of oneness with yourself and the world. When you experience joy, your skin will fit perfectly and your soul will be light- so light that you will nearly float away. It's hard to define joy, and many people mistake it for good times, and laughter, and just having things go their way. These things are not the same as joy, although I am fond of all of them, because they can all be manufactured and owned. Joy, on the other hand, is a gift that brings a gladness to your entire being.
According to the Bible, joy will come to you... if you have someone to love and be loved by, if you have something to do that's worth doing, and if your life is connected with God. According to others, joy comes to us when we have someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for. Someone noted that "joy is peace on its feet," and there are literally hundreds of other opinions. Many of these opinions are offered by very wise people, but I'm content to keep these points in mind: 1) joy is a gift, which means that it cannot be created or contained; 2) joy is multiplied when its shared with others; 3) joy is a glimpse of our best self and a taste of the way things are meant to be.
I've tried to have joy on my own terms, Archer. I've insisted on it and I've begged for it. I've manipulated and I've bullied others... to get it... but it cannot be earned, stolen, or tracked down. Ir is gift- a beautiful gift. So, sing the song, Archer... everyday and to everyone. Sing it to the poor. Sing it to the hungry. Sing it to those who face obstacles that most of us never face. Sing it to those who are shut-in, shut-out and shut-away. Sing it to those who are imprisoned in all the ways we get imprisoned. Sing it to those who think that they're ugly, unimportant, and disposable Sing it to those who are invariably one step in front or one step behind the others. Sing it to those who are drowning in their own tears, and sing it to those who are drunk on their own wine. Sing it to those who are afraid to dream, and sing it to those who are just weary from the road. And sing it for me as well...
Joy to the world/ all the boys and girls/ joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea/ joy to you and me. Joy to the world' all the boys and girls/ joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea/ joy to you and me......
Saturday, May 10, 2014
MOTHER'S DAY LITANY
As a pastor, I've struggled with Mother's Day for some time now. At their best, mothers express love that is closer to God's love than any other form of love on earth. At their best, mothers love their children sacrificially and unconditionally, and they are more likely than the rest of us... to love the unlovable. But...mothers aren't always at their best. Most of them are more or less average, and more than a few are bad. Besides, there are some people who have lost their mothers to death, and others who have not been able to have a child. In short, Mother's Day brings joy AND sadness... and I haven't even mentioned that it's laced with commercialism and isn't on the church calendar.
Mother's Day is a mixed blessing and we need to be aware of that. In an effort to lift up the best of a Mother's love... and also recognize that some of us didn't experience "the best," I would like to use the following litany at this year's Mother's Day service. (The liturgist will lead the way and the community's response is in bold type).
To those who had their first child this year, we celebrate with you;
To those who lost a child this year, we mourn with you;
To those are in the trenches with little ones every day, we appreciate you;
To those who've known loss through miscarriages & failed adoptions, we cry with you;
To those who've struggled with infertility, we apologize for saying foolish things;
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms, we need you;
To those who have close & warm relationships with your children, we congratulate you;
To those whose relationship is distant & disappointing, we sit with you;
To those who have lost their mothers this year, we grieve with you;
To those who have been abused by your mothers, we acknowledge your experience;
To those who have aborted children, we remember them and you on this day;
To those who are step-mothers, we recognize your complex paths;
To those who had longed to be married, we feel your disppointment;
To those who dreamed in vain of doting on grandchildren, we grieve with you;
To those who have emptier nests this year, we share your sadness... and your joy;
To those who have met the varied tests of motherhood; we are stronger for it;
To those who are pregnant with new life, we anticipate with you.
On this Mother's Day, we thank God for your blessings when they were there, for your strength when blessings were nowhere to be found and, we embrace you. Amen.
Mother's Day is a mixed blessing and we need to be aware of that. In an effort to lift up the best of a Mother's love... and also recognize that some of us didn't experience "the best," I would like to use the following litany at this year's Mother's Day service. (The liturgist will lead the way and the community's response is in bold type).
To those who had their first child this year, we celebrate with you;
To those who lost a child this year, we mourn with you;
To those are in the trenches with little ones every day, we appreciate you;
To those who've known loss through miscarriages & failed adoptions, we cry with you;
To those who've struggled with infertility, we apologize for saying foolish things;
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms, we need you;
To those who have close & warm relationships with your children, we congratulate you;
To those whose relationship is distant & disappointing, we sit with you;
To those who have lost their mothers this year, we grieve with you;
To those who have been abused by your mothers, we acknowledge your experience;
To those who have aborted children, we remember them and you on this day;
To those who are step-mothers, we recognize your complex paths;
To those who had longed to be married, we feel your disppointment;
To those who dreamed in vain of doting on grandchildren, we grieve with you;
To those who have emptier nests this year, we share your sadness... and your joy;
To those who have met the varied tests of motherhood; we are stronger for it;
To those who are pregnant with new life, we anticipate with you.
On this Mother's Day, we thank God for your blessings when they were there, for your strength when blessings were nowhere to be found and, we embrace you. Amen.
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