Anniversary

Thirteen years ago today I was ordained into Word and Sacrament ministry at my home congregation. My talented, artistic sister designed a card (see left).

Thirteen years. Seems unlucky. I'll have a big celebration at fifteen.

There was a time in my life when it would have been hard to imagine doing the same thing for so many years. I worked in investments for two. Then went to Japan for three. Then worked in insurance for four and a half. Went to seminary for four. Now it seems like I have finally settled down. I even got married.

It's still an adventure, though. Preaching, teaching, being with people at all stages of their faith and doubt, listening to questions, not always having answers, equipping saints and seeing them in action: it's still an adventure.

Of course there is the routine of worship and preaching, the blessed liturgy of weekly visits to the nursing home and to hospitals, the late night meetings deciding what to do about the roof, or the boiler, but in the midst of it, there are the moments of light: the conversation of leaders revealing their own hopes for their congregation; the tight grip of a hand during prayers, the holy moment when teenagers laugh, and cry, and belong to one another. It's still an adventure.