From the Pastor
A colleague and friend, Neil Siefert, shares this story: An elderly man lay on his deathbed. He had been a Christian and faithful churchman his entire adult life. His pastor was at his side as the end drew near. With tears in his eyes the old man said that he had always found strength and hope in the promises of God. “But right now,” he said, “I can’t remember a single promise. Does that mean my faith is failing?” His pastor squeezed his hand and said, “Don’t worry. Even if you forget the promises, God won’t.”
Even if you forget….I know I forget. In those times when I am trying to find a 25th hour in the day or a 32nd day in the calendar; in those times when nothing I try seems to work out – when it feels like for every one step forward it’s two steps back; in those times when the valleys of life seem too deep and the darkness much too dark; in those times when I, who so often speak of life and faith as a journey, begin to wonder if the journey really is worthwhile…in those times and more, yes, I forget.
But then, whispered in the depth of my soul, I hear these words spoken to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Or these words, “I have called you by name, you are mine.” Or these: “You are my beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Ah, the promise of the One who never forgets.
Launch Sunday was just a few weeks ago. We have only just begun. And yet, in our life together, we have already shared moments of great joy and deep grief, triumph and disappointment, success and back-to-the-drawing board less than success. Ah, but we are sharing it all together, as a community, as a people of faith, as a people of the promise. So when you see me running around looking lost, desperate or confused - or all three! – remind me that even if I forget, God never forgets. And I’ll try to do the same for you.
Gene
