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Hello St. John’s Family,
As I get older, one of the things I appreciate more and more is the gift of a trusted mentor. Someone I can look to as an example when I face something uncertain. A person with integrity, wisdom, and experience beyond what I possess, who I can model myself after and be confident that my actions will yield a positive outcome. Having people in our lives we can look to and learn from is truly a blessing.
Early on in life we often look to family to fill this role. Mom, Dad, Grandparents, and other relatives are often the ones who took us out to the back yard and taught us how to throw and catch. They guided us as we teetered on a bike when the training wheels were just removed, showed us how to bake those special holiday treats, or read to us as we drew near. They provided the example we needed when we weren’t sure what to do next. My family has been a great blessing to me – wonderfully filling the exemplar role – and yet it always extended beyond our household, into the church we attended. There were people I saw there, week after week, teaching Sunday school, ushering, singing in the choir, cleaning up after events. There was one particular “nice old guy” (I’m told that was my name for him), who we often sat beside; he always had a butterscotch lifesaver to give me. He was a great singer… though that obviously didn’t rub off on me! I didn’t fully understand why these people did what they did, but I knew it was important, and I knew they were trustworthy and safe. These people were my first mentors, whether they knew it or not.
As I grew and matured, I was blessed to learn from observing and engaging with many others. There were teachers, professors, supervisors, and coworkers who impacted me. The owner of the orchard I worked at for 5 seasons as a teenager always took time to talk with – and listen to – me. I still consider him a trusted friend. There’s a manager/colleague I worked with in pharma who set aside time to guide me as I transitioned into a management role. His wisdom saved me from many shortsighted decisions, and example formed the foundation for my approach. I could go on and on. Looking back, I quickly see how each of these persons has a strong faith that guides their life. I’ve learned valuable lessons from Christians and non-Christians alike, yet for some reason, the majority of my closest, most valued mentors have been Christians. Dare I say saints… which is exactly what they are.
I sense we often think we’re just normal, unremarkable people. We try to live moral lives, such that honesty, integrity, and goodwill form the basis of our actions. Sometimes we fail, but we try our best. Still, we’re simple people. Nothing special – certainly not saintly. Yet I believe that’s a misguided notion. When we orient our lives toward Christ, and seek as best we can to honor God, we are saints. We offer a simple, honest example of what faith and integrity look like; an example that can’t help but be noticed by others. One that helps others understand how to properly approach the joys and challenges this world throws at us. I see that example in you – the St. John’s Family – on a weekly basis, and I’m very thankful for your faithful, saintly example that extends to – and far beyond – our congregation.
This Sunday is All Saint’s Sunday, the special day each year when we remember and give thanks to God for all the saints at St. John’s. We’ll offer a special remembrance for our saints who entered into eternal life over the past year. We’ll read Isaiah 25:6-9 and be reminded of the eternal goodness and joy that awaits the faithful… and that breaks in today, through the lives of faithful saints here… then join around our Lord’s table and commune with the saints across the ages. I hope you’ll join me Sunday morning for a meaningful time of worship.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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