A Couple of Good Things to Keep in Mind

My late father-in-law was a good, avid golfer. He felt that with a couple more rounds each week he could elevate his game, but he was playing at an enjoyable level and chose not to devote the extra time and money to such an effort. He told me that a quality golf swing includes more than 30 things you need to do correctly and that he could only be mindful of about 3-4 of them at any one time. I get that.

Last month my article was about the multiple dimensions and big picture of our life with God and the Church. This month I offer a couple things I am mindful of in my life and ministry as a disciple of Jesus Christ and your pastor. First, hospitality. I came to faith in Jesus Christ in high school through the hospitality of Three Oaks United Methodist Church. My family and I were welcomed into the fellowship of the Church. I was given opportunities to explore leadership through worship, administration and being one of the church custodians. Out of those experiences and the gift of a social consciousness for my faith through the Wesley Foundation at Central Michigan University I came to discern a call to ordained ministry. The late Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite authors. He wrote that hospitality is not meant to change people but to offer them space where change can take place (Reaching Out). Such space and change have profoundly shaped my ministry.

Second, compassion. I believe the current and long-established practice of demeaning and condemning persons who hold different beliefs, or who significantly question traditional beliefs, does great harm to our spirits. Such interaction shuts down faithful inquiry and rightful confrontation of exclusionary practices. With compassion we recognize the God-given value of the other person, and establish a connection that allows for real conversation and the possibility of healing and wholeness.

Third, generosity. As I mentioned at the closing of worship on Sunday, 7/24, my friend had encouraged me, "Don't be so stingy with the blessing, use both hands!" That statement characterizes an abundance mentality and reminds me that in God's economy we get grace which we don't deserve and cannot earn. We are asked to share a portion of what we have received for God's greater work of salvation in the world through Jesus Christ. In being generous we become more like God, in whose image we are created. I am grateful for the generous ways I see in our congregation and encourage us to keep going!

What kinds of things help you return to the center of your faith? What do you need to keep in mind when you enter or are faced with a season of change? May we be blessed with ongoing conversations and interactions that reveal the best that God has for us.