The more things change, the more they remain the same. That’s where we left off last week, a mere 168 hours ago.
As the picture shows, even loose change is changing as the point of sale display gives silent witness to how we pay our bills these days.
I took this picture because of the handwritten sign, “If you fear change…”
My first post told the story of being asked the question, “What are you afraid of?” Now I ask the question that was once asked of me. What are you afraid of?
If you can answer that question for yourself, then you are truly in a good place. It may not feel like it, but you are. You will know what matters most.
I’ve been told that in one religious tradition, before ordination into the ministry of Word and Sacrament, the ordinands were required to sign their name to the Augsburg Confession. It was a way of declaring publicly, I subscribe to this.
For me it was a verbal promise to the question, “Will you therefore preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and these creeds and confessions?” “I will and I ask God to help me,” was my response.
My fear was basic. Even with the help of God, would I be able to do that? Lord have mercy is truly the only response that makes sense to me, as I look back on those forty plus years. I’ve been retired for just over a year now. I told people that this first year would be a sabbatical.
It’s been a year of being rather than of doing. What a gift it would be if all pastors could have a sabbatical year after six years of service. It would help in getting the balance right between being a pastor and doing the work of ministry.
It was the doing the work of ministry that led to the understanding of being a pastor. I will continue to be a pastor, it will be interesting to see what it will be that I will be doing in retirement. Another great question to ask, as I did in that first issue, what do you do for fun? Now I have a short answer, I enjoy writing, and I enjoy riding my bicycle.
But what about the 99.999999999% of the world’s population who aren’t ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament? What would it look like if the barista could have a sabbatical year after serving coffee for six years?
Could we live with that change? Perhaps we could begin with a day of rest after six days of work. Where have I heard that before?
I’ve been told that Martin Luther didn’t like people being called or calling themselves Lutheran. Funny how that worked out. I’ve also been told that he once gave this advice, or perhaps commandments: Say your prayers, love your wife, and drink your beer. I may have gotten the order wrong.
Lord, Have mercy!
Be well.
Postscript
My prayers remain with all those who died on September 11, as well as all those who died responding, not only on that day, but all the days that followed, including today. Remember, there will always be a September 12, as well.