The Journey

When I was little, and I got upset with my parents, they would say, “Well, don’t run away and join the circus.”

That expression didn’t make any sense to me. For one thing, I had never been to a circus. For another, if I were to run away, it was more likely to be to the corner store a block away, because at least they sold candy. I do remember wanting to run away once and my mother, as she was laughing, said: “You want me to help you pack?” Needless to say, I didn’t go anywhere. When asked where I would go my response was “I guess I will go sit under a bridge somewhere.” I still don’t know where that answer came from. It did prove that I had not thought any of this through to any extent.

When I grew older, I asked my parents about their old expression and what it meant to them. They said it was the kind of thing that little kids said back when they were kids. When those travelling circus buses, trailers and caravans pulled into your small town, you knew something exciting was in store.

As children, they believed the life of a circus performer was one of adventure. Why, if you ran away with this circus, and snuck into one of those buses just as it was leaving, you would have a ride out-of-town, a job, and a new life on the road where your parents could never find you!

“You must have been awfully mad at your parents to want to do that,” I said. “Our parents drove us crazy,” they said. “They could be exasperating.” And that was when it hit me. These exasperating parents of mine, who often drove me crazy, had once been children themselves. And what are the odds, they too had exasperating parents?

I promised my young self that I would never become an exasperating parent. I hope that has been the case. To Shirley’s credit, as of this date, our 50+-year-old son has never actually run away to join the circus… or the Marines.

Although there are times when, as a pastor, my family thinks I actually did run away and join the circus.

Dear God, give to each generation a balance of boldness and humility, and the wisdom of thought to know that running to Jesus, even though it may seem like a circus at times, is really all the adventure our souls really need. Help me not to run away, but to run to faith, in and through Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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John Wayne, Sean Connery, Jimmy Stewart, W.C. Fields, Don Knotts and Bette Davis. All of these Hollywood stars have something in common. You don’t have to be looking at the TV screen to know who is talking. The voices of these thespians are unique.

Peter Robbins is such a star. No, his name is not as familiar as those listed above, but if you heard him speak, especially years ago, you would know Robbins as the voice of Charlie Brown in television specials like, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

You remember that voice, don’t you? You remember no matter how many times Charlie Brown was disappointed, no matter how badly he had been mistreated, no matter how many times his pals let him down, the voice of Charlie managed to express a tone of hope for the future.

Of course, that is Charlie Brown and that is in the cartoons. Reality is quite different. Peter Robbins, Charlie’s voice, was arrested by the San Diego Police. It seems he has been stalking and threatening his former girlfriend. According to authorities, he called this lady 37 times in a 24-hour period and in those calls told her he would kill her and her son if she didn’t return his dog and automobile.

It’s a disappointing thing when reality is at such a variance with what we hope for and what we want to believe.

Thankfully, that is not the way it is when it comes to Jesus. He is exactly who the prophets said He would be. He is who He claims to be.

When He says He is the Good Shepherd, you can trust that He is. Your confidence in Him will never be misplaced.

If He says He is the Physician of body and soul, you can believe His claim and rely on Him completely.

If He says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we know there will never be a time when His words will be found to be false and our dependence in Him misplaced.

Jesus is our Savior; He is our Redeemer; He is the Sacrifice who offers forgiveness and salvation for all humankind.

Believe Him. His is a voice that will never change.

Dear Lord, there are many voices that claim to be trustworthy and reliable. May I trust and rely on Jesus, whose entire life is proof of His sincerity and commitment to the restoration of the human family to God. In and through Jesus we pray. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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I reminisced this morning about the last church I served before retiring… and I wanted to share this with you again.

It went something like this: This morning as I stepped into the pulpit a smile came into my heart because I knew I was back home. You know when I noticed that smile?

I noticed it when I started the opening prayers this morning and I felt God’s love inside and your love around me… I really do mean it when I thank God for this sacred space we gather in every week… it means a great deal to each one of us in our own way.

I noticed it when we sang the first hymn and the words spoke directly to my sermon.

I noticed it when Beverly played the prelude. She puts her heart and soul, her spirit into the personal interpretation of the music she selects and offers to lift our spirits to God. As usual, this morning she lifted my soul.

I noticed that smile in my heart when I gathered the children around me and they smiled and we shared something very special. For a few moments that old grandfather up front was given the privilege to speak with the children about Jesus, to see their smiles close-up, and be blessed by them.

I noticed that smile in my heart when I read scripture. What a special time for all of us as we hear God’s Word read out loud for all to hear… for we learn by the hearing of that word. And I was honored to be able to read that Word.

I noticed that smile in my heart when, during the beginning of our prayer time, I mentioned that I had been at Conference all week and had not seen anyone, so how are you doing? That was such a special and sacred moment for me as we shared how we are doing together. It is indeed an honor to be able to speak to God about those in my care. I had to smile because God was smiling.

I noticed that smile in my heart as the choir sang the anthem. I know they do not see their singing as a performance but as an offering of praise to God. I smiled because they give it their all, do their best, and offer it with grace. Plus… it is always beautiful.

I noticed that smile in my heart as I began my sermon. It is hard to believe that people will gather to hear someone talk about a shepherd boy and a giant doing battle. What in the world could that have to do with the church family at Pine Grove? Today you listened for that word from God in which God said I am with you in every battle you face, and, by the way, I have already won the war. Thank you for listening and expecting me to speak a word from God that will have meaning for your life. Thank you for that trust. Yes, there is a smile in my heart because I love being back home with you. Thank you for being my family.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Since we are on the subject of birthdays… Noah’s 18th yesterday, I’m not sure I thanked you for remembering me. So, I want to say “Thank You” to all who took the time to remember my birthday back in September. Yes, you did overwhelm me… the cards, emails, telephone calls, and Facebook messages all joined in a chorus of smiles from your heart to mine.

Turning the big 72 brings its own set of smiles… My insurance agent tells me if I live to 79 I will lose all my insurance. In other words… die before the seven years are up. My body says, (with a Vincent Price voice) see how you can handle what I have in store for you… ha ha ha. My wife says “What did you say?” My grandchildren say “Aw Papaw, we thought you were 45?” My son says “Be careful… let me do that for you.” My friends ask “How are you doing?” and really want to know… cause they are going through the same aches and pains. One said “You are now officially two years into the “Old Geezer’s Club.”

I looked back and was amazed to see what was happening in 1947. It may help explain somethings about me???

• In July 1947 there was the reported alien landing in Roswell, New Mexico.
• The CIA was established in 1947
• The Polaroid Land Camera was first demonstrated in 1947
• Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier in the Bell X-1
• The Cold War began
• Miracle on 34th Street premiered
• Howard Hughes took the first test flight of the Spruce Goose
• Jackie Robinson plays his first major league game with the Brooklyn Dodgers
• Hurricane hit southeast Florida kills 51
• Tornado strikes Oklahoma kills 107
• The Dead Sea Scrolls are discovered near Qumran
• The first computer “bug” is found at Harvard
• I was born on a Friday (12) under a Waning Crescent Moon

I was two months premature and because of breathing problems was rushed to Baptist Hospital in Winston in order to survive.

Let’s see, alien landing, CIA, Cold War, Dead Sea Scrolls, Jackie Robinson, First computer bug, all add up to a Miracle on 34th Street… Yep, that’s me… spaced out at times, a bit buggy, somewhat secretive – especially with those choosing to stand opposed, belief in equality for all people, but my miracles have been on all streets and in all places.

Thank you for sharing your wishes with this spaced out old man… it really made my day even brighter!!!

Grace and Peace
Steve

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On the thirteenth of October, 2019 our grandson, Noah, become 18 years old. We can’t talk about it without tears in our eyes. He has been such a very special blessing in our lives. From about eight weeks old we have had the pleasure of keeping him… so, for almost 16 years we have kept this little guy almost every weekday.

We were awed as he went through the Thomas the Train stage when he (not yet able to read) could name every train car in the series. We went through the dinosaur stage when he could correctly pronounce and name all the different dinosaurs… and would correct you when you mispronounced them.

We were there for his baptism and confirmation… a great meaning and significance for me to officiate at the baptism. He has been a faithful church member all his life… faithful, active, involved, learning and growing in the likeness of Christ. We are so proud of him. He has been given a gift his father nor I had… he grew up in the same community, made some really good friends, felt the love and acceptance of a community of faith in this place. Thank you PGUMC for loving our family, especially our grandchildren.

We were there when he came home from school with all A’s… receiving his first B in the seventh grade… a member of the Junior Beta Club and the National Honor Society in high school.

We were there when he tried T-Ball. He was so small the batting helmet would spin around on his head… ending up facing backward. He was so funny doing that and looking for four-leaf clovers in the outfield or piling up dirt on second base. When he started soccer, the first seasons of that included chasing some little girl around in circles during the match… not all that concerned about scoring or soccer techniques.

One of the special characteristics for me was when he would offer these special little sayings which we turned into a Lenten study and then into a book; “The Sayings of Noah.” He was so creative, so inquisitive, so happy. Wow, we were blessed. One the special gifts Noah gives us, his grandparents, is that he will call us sometimes at night, not asking for anything, but just wanting to talk with us. I can’t begin to tell you how special that is… a fifteen-year-old calls his old grandparents at night… when he could be doing anything else… he shares a few special moments with us. Yes, we are blessed.

Michael Weatherly tells what his grandfather use to say about him: “If you live to 26 you will find there is a good man in there.” I look into the heart of this young man and I know there IS a good man in there… and out there… coming out more and more every day.

Soon this young man will be out there in the world preparing to graduate from high school and enter college. The whole world is out there before him waiting for him to make use of the love and support that has lifted him up all these years… family, friends, church, school, community.

For us, we are excited for him… but our heads are still spinning from the years flying by so quickly. It seems that only yesterday he was saying: “PaPaw, come see what I built. A big, big church.” Treasure your time with your kids and your grandkids. It is precious time – sacred time you can’t replace.

Happy birthday… 18th Birthday… young man. We love you, support you, honor you, admire you… pray with you… and we will always provide a safe place for you to land.

MaMaw and PaPaw

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We Christians all know that parable Jesus told about the Good Samaritan. We also know we should join with that unnamed good-deed-doer and be good Samaritans too. Some of us even like to think we are good Samaritans and would never pass by on the other side. I wonder how far I would go to help a stranger. I wonder if I would be as good a Samaritan as is Michelle LaPlante.

Here’s the story: Jill Fink, a mother of two-year-old twins, took off her engagement ring so she could put sunscreen on her daughter. She put the toddler in a swing and dropped her ring into the child’s stroller. She forgot to put her ring back on. She forgot for two days. When she finally remembered she did a lot of crying. Yes, she retraced her steps, but she knew the ring was gone.

Meanwhile, the ring was found by attorney Michelle LaPlante. LaPlante said, “If that had been my ring, I would have gone out of my head.” So LaPlante put up a note at the park where the ring had been lost; then she put up fliers in the neighborhood; then she took out on-line ads; then she listed the ring on an Internet list; then she took the ring to the police department.

To make a long story short, a receptionist at Fink’s office spotted the Internet list ad and, in a short time, the ring, the ring’s loser, and the ring’s finder were united.

So, let me ask, “How good a Good Samaritan are you?” We all know a person would be a lousy Good Samaritan if he were to keep the lost ring. But how far would you have gone to return that diamond to its rightful owner?

Would you have taken it to the police?  Probably.Would you have written up and posted fliers? Maybe.Would you have taken out ads? How far would you go to be a Good Samaritan?I once heard of a Really Good Samaritan, a preacher, who gave up his home – moved out – so that a homeless couple and 13 kids could move in for a while. WOW!

I do know how far Jesus went to help the bruised and battered sinners of this world. He went all the way. Every moment of His life was dedicated to the single purpose of reuniting lost sinners with their Creator. Jesus didn’t rest; He didn’t take a vacation; He didn’t take a coffee break from the cause, which would lead to His death and our salvation. He is the ultimate Good Samaritan. He is our Savior.

Dear Lord Jesus, you have set an example for all of us. Grant that we may leave behind greed, selfishness and inconvenience, so we may show ourselves as your disciples, true Good Samaritans for others. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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“I am of two minds on that,” some of the older folks use to often say in a situation that is difficult to assess or when the correct course of action is not yet clear. So, we respond to the words of the poet Robert Frost in his famous poem, “The Road not Taken”:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood

And sorry I could not travel both

We admire people who pause at a fork in the road. Often, they are the ones who are able to see both sides of an issue, and they know how to weigh options.

So why does the writer of this psalm envision God saying, “I hate the double-minded?” What’s so wrong with being of two minds?

Nothing is wrong with being double-minded in the time before making a decision. But, sooner or later, commitment is called for. You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind. Eventually you must put your hand to the plow… it comes time to act. As novelist Albert Camus observed, sometimes we must make a 100 percent commitment to something about which we are only 51 percent certain.

The perpetually double-minded never get very far from home because they get stuck at the first fork in the road. For them – for all of us, at one time or another – it is best to heed the advice of Yogi Berra: “When you get to a fork in the road, take it.”

Dear Lord, meet me at the crossroads. Show me the way I am to go. Then give me the courage to act. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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Have you ever wondered if the Amazing Grace could ever be amazed? What could possibly cause Emanuel, God with us, to ever be astounded, taken aback, startled or amazed?

What amazed Christ was something that is all too familiar to most of us. It is the contempt that we often harbor for that which is familiar. According to Mark’s gospel, the Good News message, the mighty works of deliverance and the healing miracles of Jesus did not reach a formidable roadblock until he came to his hometown of Nazareth. There, the people who knew intimate details about his parents, his siblings, his upbringing and his occupation, questioned the validity of his work and the wisdom of his words. Jesus’ “homies” doubted and disrespected him because they could not reconcile what they knew about him with what God was doing through him. They were oblivious to any notion that the everlasting goodness of Almighty God could be brought to them in the life of someone they lived with closely.

This is more than contempt for the familiar. This is a sign of self-loathing. It is the understated but undeniable conviction that the best of life cannot possibly be found among one’s own people and community.

The best spouse for us couldn’t possibly be the one we actually married . . . could it? The social, educational and economic resources we desperately need for growth and development could not possibly exist in our own neighborhood…could they? The exciting, life-changing movement of God couldn’t possibly take place through the people who attend our church week after week…could it? God couldn’t possibly be working to transform the world through our motley crew of family and friends…could God? Surely the face of God can only be seen through that which is mysterious, exotic and other-worldly…right?

Dorothy left her home on a magical journey to the land of Oz, only to discover that her true heart’s desire was with her at her home all the time. And God is amazed that we and Dorothy continue to miss so many hometown miracles because we keep looking past God in us, trying to find God; we keep missing God in the reflections of who we are and where we are.  Amazing.

Dear God, you have deposited so much heavenly treasure in so many earthen vessels.  We pray that the details of the vessels will not make us miss your deposit, especially when it is at or near home. In and through Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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I can’t tell you how often people are absent from church for a while, then come back, and when they pass through the receiving line at church say sheepishly, “Sorry I haven’t been here – I’ve been bad.” They seem to expect disapproval or punishment. 

In 40 years of ministry, I still haven’t quite figured out what to say. I usually opt for the non-judgmental, compassionate cadence, “We are glad you’re back! We’re not about guilt here! We’ll be here whenever you need us!” But while this is true, there are a couple of problems with the lack of fullness of my response.

Maybe they need to be needed and missed. Maybe they need to know there’s something at stake in them not coming. That, if they are former members, the promises they made to the church and to God mattered. And even if they are not former members, they matter – that we notice when they are gone, and we are diminished by their absence.

Maybe they need to hear that if they do come more often, their life might just get better. I say might – churches are flawed institutions, and mine among them, and there is no promise that life will be better simply because we live close to the Lord. Our faith will get better, but life may become much more challenging. But here is the thing, if you want to get wet, you have to get into the water. If you want grace, peace, hope, comfort, growth, you have to get into, or near, the people and places that have them.

What I want to say to people when they come before me and hang their heads is, “listen – you get out of it what you put into it.” I can’t say it, because it doesn’t sound very pastoral, but really it’s just a logic statement. You can’t win if you don’t play.

And God, though God rarely tells us this to our faces, needs us in church too. Some of us can only get the grace God wants to give us when we pass through that portal, into a sweet, slightly dusty, hardworking, authentic faith community. It’s not that grace is unavailable elsewhere; it’s just that – we’re tuned to the right frequency when we’re there together and we get it right. Church is the structure in which Jesus is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, where we ourselves can become God’s crib.

They say that 80% of life is just showing up, right? I add… showing up expecting to encounter God.

Dear Lord, help us to overcome all kinds of things that don’t necessarily deliver as promised, to be a regular part of a healthy faith community. Help us all to know we belong to you and to each other. Help us to know that you call us to be present with you in worship and service. Help us to show up ready for a life-changing encounter with you. In and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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My wife has pictures of she and her best friend which she cherishes. These pictures can’t help but make one think of simpler times and more pleasant days. I look at these girls and I am reminded they have been friends through thick and thin. It is a friendship that passed the test of time.

It’s hard to have close friends. Some blame this on the pace and pressure of life today, with financial and career demands more time-consuming than ever. Others argue that social networking lets simpler virtual friendship make up for the real thing.

But as psychologists point out, the absence of close friendship leaves a void that the best marriages and closest partnerships can’t fill. Primary loyalties reach a breaking point when made to carry the full emotion of both parties. Relationships fall apart, and rates of loneliness, depression, and even suicide grow.

Earlier cultures traditionally considered friendship so important that newborns were assigned a best friend right at birth! Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the earliest advocates of women’s rights, spoke of both men and women in noting that while Eros is transient, “the most holy bond of society is friendship.” She echoes Aristotle’s argument that friendship is essential to the public good by enlarging understanding beyond private and domestic life.

The Bible itself speaks not only of the love, mercy, and judgment of God, but of the friendship of God. Abraham and Moses are called “friends of God.” God needs others. That’s why we were created. In the divine image, we in turn are made to need others – not only as with Adam and Eve but also Naomi and Ruth, Jonathan and David, and the friendship commended elsewhere in Scripture. Jesus calls us friends (John 15:12).  He says we reciprocate by being a good friend of others.

Dear Lord, in this time of Facebook friending and unfriending, may I be a true and real good friend of yours by being a true and real better friend of others. Help me to turn my virtual friendships into the real, everyday actions of a true friend. In and through Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and Peace
Steve

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