Commentary From Caroline
This is such a busy time of the year. There’s Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and approaching graduations. A year from now, I will be one of those people preparing to graduate from seminary. I remember when I started seminary in August 2006, which, at that time, was dubbed “the five year plan.” Well…Sometimes plans don’t always go the way we think they will or should.
Sometimes we encounter unexpected delays. At the time, we may not know why. Each of us is on a journey and has a story. I ask you today: What is your story?
Reflecting a little bit on the last 6 ½ years I realize that I wouldn’t change anything. Every step has helped to mold me into who I am today. I have done things and met people who have made my life much richer.
You never know what God may be up to. It’s important to encounter each day with that sense of mystery or miracle. You never know what may happen today or who you will meet. How may God be at work in the midst of it all? Are you open to what God may be up to today? How may God use you in someone’s life? Or how may God use someone to walk with you in your life?
Part of my journey has led me through the doors of House of Prayer. You have all embraced me with such love and warmth, words alone cannot describe how thankful I am for you! You have allowed me to try things and grow in my steps to ordained ministry. My life is forever changed because of this community. I will always be a part of this community and hold you in my heart.
I almost feel like Paul, writing a letter to one of the churches. However, it’s not goodbye just yet. You and I still have a little bit of time left to be about the work of our Lord, living life and doing ministry together. It is my prayer that we encourage one another in loving service, being as Christ to one another and to a world crying out for love.
Amidst the pain, hurt, sickness, and tears in this world, we may not always have the words to offer comfort, but we can be present with people. We can freely give of our time, gifts, and talents. I read a list somewhere that said:
The happy ones are those who:
~ Give love rather than expect love. ~ Reach out to others rather than expecting to be reached out to. ~ Desire to be a friend more than to have friends. ~ Express appreciation rather than expect appreciation. ~ Love to relieve suffering rather than think of their own suffering. ~ Think on others’ good points rather than ponder failings. ~ Pray ‘God bless others’ more than ‘God bless me.’ ~ Give freely without thought of being given to. ~ Are more conscious of their neglect of others than of others’ neglect of them. ~ Have forgotten themselves in doing things which are remembered.
In many ways, we are already doing this. May we continue to love those who may not experience love in their everyday lives. May God bless and keep each one of you. Thank you!
“I thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3, NRSV)
Caroline