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I
am never sure what is happening in the life of the church I pastor.
I sometimes make judgments that are off. For example today a person
that I would say is not my biggest fan came by and starting talking.
I was not sure where it was all going that then that person gave me a
great big compliment. I was taken back and accepted but after that
person left my office I wondered how many times I have misjudged
people. I have made assumptions that have not helped the cause of
Jesus. I needed to hear again those words of Jesus about judging
others. According to Jesus we just do not need to do it.
Jesus
really knew how to live life to the fullest. He seemed to know that
not making a judgment on others would help us all. It would allow
relationship to be enjoyed. So, today I am asking God to help me be
more like Jesus and not be so judgmental.
Some
of my weeks are filled with emotional experiences. Lately they have
been baptisms in a swimming pool, a time of planning for a funeral, a
time of sharing with other clergy, the joy of visiting with a person
who is recovering from a serious illness, a time of trying to bring
comfort to a family that is facing change that will bring pain, and
there are many more experiences that have kept me going. But most of
all I am reminded many times daily that I need God’s help to be a
minister.
I
cannot solve another problem or even begin to take away their pain.
It is difficult for me to admit this but I am a very limited person.
There are times I get annoyed with this fact but when I put it in
proper perspective I am thankful for my many weaknesses. I am so
happy that I am not God. Only God can bring comfort and joy. Only
God can bring new life to what others pronounce dead. Today I am
thankful that I am weak but He is strong. Although overworked by
many I say with others, “to God be the glory.”
Walking
my dog this morning I had a strange encounter. I noticed a person
staring at me from his front yard which was across the street from
where I was walking. I said good morning and then he replied the
same. Then he told me to pick up after my dog. I was not sure what
was going on but I told him I did and that I had bags on me to
continue doing so. He said ok and left briskly to go into his home.
I was left wondering what went on. I guess he has had problems with
dog owners making messes in his yard but I do not know what was going
through his mind.
There
are time I make assumptions and I should not make them. One person
really never knows what the other person is thinking or is trying to
accomplish. Life is filled with those mysterious times and perhaps
they make life more interesting. I know they make me aware that I
need to take care of my life and not be concerned about someone else.
I am responsible for my thoughts and actions and that is a full time
task. I hope today and always we all have fun with the many
mysterious happenings in our lives.