|
Hello St. John’s Family,
Are we ready?!? That simple, yet seemingly never-ending question was reverberating in the parsonage as we rushed to prepare to move our son to Richmond, VA. Weeks of his daily checks on LinkedIn, Indeed, and all the other job sites quickly transitioned to Zillow, Apartments.com, and the like as we attempted to locate affordable, safe, hospitable housing in a city we know little about. Gavin’s first “real” job was an answered prayer; yet the clock was now ticking, as we had 2 weeks to sort out an endless stream of details.
He and I set out on his move early last Thursday morning. A bright, sunny day ahead, much less Philly traffic than normal… we were off to a good start. That continued right up to the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore. From there, slowly yet surely, Waze was showing an increasing travel time that was confirmed by the stop-and-go traffic. Ultimately, a 4.5-hour drive stretched to a 6.5-hour drive without any stops. Frustrating, but we arrived safely.
After unpacking the two cars we grabbed a quick meal, figuring some nourishment would aid in the assembly of a carload of Ikea furniture. Exiting the restaurant, we both remarked on the ominous appearance of the sky – a storm was clearly moving in. Within minutes we’d experience heavy rain, gusting winds, hail… and a power outage that ultimately lasted 22 hours. Thankfully we were able to find the 2 flashlights we packed, but it’s safe to say that furniture assembly by flashlight wasn’t on the agenda.
That night, as I attempted to calm my mind and get some sleep, more and more questions kept popping up in my head. What if this… what if that? Our son is a mature young man, ready to embark on the life and career God intends for him, yet there’s so much he doesn’t know. So much he hasn’t experienced. So much to sort out and learn, in a city where he knows no one. We’re 4 – scratch that – 6+ hours away, and he isn’t shielded within a college community anymore. Have I prepared him well enough? Is he ready? Am I ready?
While wrestling with all those questions, I was reminded of how “readiness” is so often an illusion. Sure, we need to do our part: to work earnestly and prepare ourselves as best we can for the calling and responsibilities that God places before us. We cannot neglect that. Still, despite our best preparations and planning, there will be things in life that are beyond our capacity to anticipate or control. There will be times that are too much; that overwhelm us in the moment. Whether those times deal with moving a loved one, or with processing the geopolitical violence and warfare that mars this world, or anything in between... we will face many challenges that are beyond our ability to address. What are we to do in those moments? There’s only one thing we can do: trust.
A foundational scripture that I try to use to orient my life is Proverbs 3:1-6; it speaks of the need for us to do our part while ultimately placing our full trust in God.
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and of people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.
Ultimately, we all must place our trust in something. I pray this scripture will stick with you in those unanticipated, overwhelming moments, helping you to trust in God. I can humbly attest that when we place our trust in God, God is faithful!
This Sunday will be an exciting morning in worship! We’ll explore Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and reflect on the nature of the freedom that Christ offers us. We’ll welcome new members into our St. John’s Family at each worship service… and we’ll be uplifted by the Holy Spirit as we praise our Lord! I hope to see you Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
| 
