It's all about the story.

As I continue to journey through this year as a Vicar, I keep encountering little surprises along the way.  Being in a rural congregation, I try to spend a considerable amount of my time visiting with the members of my congregation - visiting in their homes and learning about their lives.  I have sat at many kitchen tables, had coffee and baked goods, and listened to the precious stories that are dying to be retold again and again.  I have ridden in combines, walked through pig barns, and discussed faith issues and concerns while learning about the rhythm of life on a farm.  I have held the hand of a mourning parishioner and listened to the anxieties of a confused member while learning about their life and the family members who have gone before them. 

While all of my visits and conversations seem so vastly different, the one that thing that they all have in common is the importance of the story.  As I sit and listen to stories about children, health concerns, loss, and more, it is as if I am being given a gift.  It is as if the person leans across the table and hands me a beautiful tapestry of their life that has been woven together over years and years of experiences.  It is an honor to hold that tapestry.  Sometimes that tapestry is full of bright and beautiful colors - depicting happiness and excitement.  Other times, the tapestry is thread bare and worn - life has become tough and unbearable.  Either way, I have been invited into their lives, and asked to embrace the tapestry, and I am humbled by that privilege. 

So, I'm realizing that visits are more than coffee, goodies, and great conversation.  They are invitations to hear and witness the most precious and honored parts of their lives.  You see - it's all about the story.

They call me Vicar

So, here I am.  It's my third year in seminary, and it's my internship year.  I'm serving as "vicar" at St. John's Lutheran Church Bliedorn in Grand Mound, IA.  I have been here 5 weeks, and it has been a joy and privilege to serve this congregation.

I find myself often reflecting on what I am doing here.  Why did I say that?  What am I doing?  How could I change that next time?  How will this help me become a better pastor?  Yet, the question that I realized was not bouncing around in my head these days was "What is God calling me to do?"  I have been so concerned about doing "the right thing" - visiting enough people, attending enough text studies, writing good sermons, and much more - that I haven't slowed down enough to see where God is calling me.

I wonder how my ministry might look if I choose to let go, and seek God's guidance.  This internship year or the many years of ministry to come are not about me, but they are about my learning to following God's calling, and serve God's mission in this world.  It's not about me - whether I am doing the right or wrong things - but it's about God.

So, I hope to continue to write my ponderings this year as I travel through this year of discovery, and hopefully, through my reflection, I will hear the voice of God reminding me that I am infinitely loved and called to participate in God's mission in this world.