Pastoral Postulations

Lessons Learned

    Transitions teach me a lot of things. I don't always want to be taught knew things (I'm only 31, but I'm kind of a old soul). I've learned, for example, that no matter how organized you are during a move, you still won't be able to find anything when you're unpacking. Incidentally, if anyone knows where I put the toenail clippers, that would be splendid. I've also learned that one can, in fact, live without many of the things once thought to be indispensible. Going a week without cable or internet proves that point. A great lesson that I've learned is that no one is too much of a stranger for you not to say "hello". Neighbors are basically the same everywhere. It matters to be friendly.
     God uses the situations of our lives to teach us. Indeed, I believe every moment is a potential teaching moment. God knows this and is always using that truth to His advantage (especially when it comes to me). These days, I take comfort in the words of St. Paul in Romans 8: "God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose in Christ Jesus." Even in the great times of change, transition, doubt, and confusion God is at work to bring about good. This means that even when we are consumed with fear, anguish, grief, or despair, God is still working in the midst of those things to bring about good. Never is there a time in which God is not working in this world to bring good.
     I was visiting with a farmer and his wife recently. They were experiencing the effects of a long drought. He told me that he prayed everyday that God would bring rain, and the rain just didn't come. In a bold moment (that is a bit uncharacteristic of me, I'll admit), I asked him why he thought we deserved the rain instead of other needy parts of the world? There is a finite amount of moisture in this world, after all. Are we more deserving? He puzzled over that for a few moments, then said, "I suppose in spite of the drought, we still have enough. We've cut back on things, but we still have plenty. I guess there's a lesson in it all."
    I do not mean to suggest that every situation is so clear. I know of so many families who have loved ones suffering (and even dying) from cancer. It is hard to find a lesson in it; it is hard to find God working in the midst of it to bring about good. A saintly lady once told me, after losing her husband suddenly, that she learned in her grief how valuable each moment of our lives is; that our time together is a gift from God that we should treasure. That is a lesson we would all do well to learn, however difficult.
     My friends, every day, God is providing us the opportunity to learn and grow. Sometimes that growth is easy, and sometimes it comes slowly and begrudgingly. Whatever the case, take comfort in knowing that God indeed does work for good everyday and in every life.

Grace and peace,


Pastor Barry