Dear St. Lukers,
It’s hard for me to believe I just attended Grace’s college graduation. I’m not sure where 22 years have gone. John whispered in my ear before she crossed the stage, “You know in two years it will be Caroline and in four years it will be Sam from high school.” I had not cried until that moment. I’m sure you understand how you look back at time spent in relationship and recognize it went by in the blink of an eye. I’m grateful we have had the opportunity to have such moments, as many have not because of tragic loss or changes in relationships. I find myself wishing I had more pictures or videos or freeze frames to hold each of them as the little kids they were just yesterday. But time marches on…and for now, I am learning the patient work of being called from being a parent manager to consultant. This is what we do right? Raise them to be the adult they were intended to be? Doesn’t mean it’s easy…
This week Pastor Jad and I will explore standing in the phone booth waiting to be called from ___. We are constantly being called from something or someone, some role, moment or emotion. No matter what it may be, the calling from requires similar work, usually it’s the work of grief. Grief of the loss of someone is the most painful work I’ve ever experienced, there is no doubt. But I also recognize that being called from roles we have played, work we have done, even when it has been successful also requires working through stages of grief in order to move forward. While each stage is hard (denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance) I wonder if the hardest part of the work is learning to wait and be patient with yourself.
We invite you to read Psalm 40 this week and listen to David’s prayer of waiting. The Psalm reflects back on David’s time of waiting in the mud and God’s response. Sometimes I think that’s what times of grief and transition feel like…being stuck in the mud. But God never leaves us stuck. As I said a couple of weeks ago, if God calls us from something God is always calling us to something else. Join us Sunday in worship as we learn to wait during the in between.
Grace and Peace,
Jenn.
P.S. Join us as we thank Pastor Corey and Carol Jones with a goodbye celebration on Sunday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. Click here and reserve your spot.
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