Surely the Presence

As I sat in Stuart Auditorium for the opening worship service of the WNC Annual Conference, I was once again inspired by this sacred space.  I can hear the brush of angels wings, I see glory on each face and I know that surely The Lord is in this holy place.

I related to Dr. Cam West's message that those of us in ministry must be a little crazy and dead serious about our work at the same time.  I beamed with pride of being a United Methodist.

Then came time for the offering and I got out my few one dollar bills.  My rationale - I have given to "Imagine No Malaria" so many times 2) we just did this at our church and 3) I tore my meniscus and had surgery raising money for this campaign and now I have my own medical bills.  And then I looked at the banner on stage and saw our theme "extravagant generosity." Who was I kidding?  How many times have I splurged on myself?  Three dollars won't even buy one malaria net!  How can I talk to our youth about a lifestyle of service if I jump at the chance to skimp on malaria nets?

As Dr. West reminds us, the truth speaks and we make excuses.  I was demonstrating his point to perfection.  I ashamedly returned the dollar bills to my purse and grabbed a $20 bill   to deliver to the offering plate.  I know my dad is smiling down on me because he taught me forty years ago about giving from the top, not the leftover.  Since I came from a United Methodist family, I grew up attending annual conference with my dad, who was a member of the laity.  Leave it to God to have me return to this sacred space for another teachable moment.

Surely the presence of The Lord is in this place, and in each of our actions demonstrating extravagant generosity!

Class 0f 2014

As I gathered with the Seniors and their families on Sunday evening I was proud that they were there to affirm their faith. I reminded them that it was a bittersweet time and that is exactly how it is supposed to be. Parents are holding on for dear life and for the seniors, "Life is Good." This is what you have worked for, but now the day has come.

Last week, Twitter had an American Express advertisement that showed hands holding a baby's foot with the question, "What do you see in the future?"
I imagine most of the parents have asked and answered that question a thousand times. I brought along a suitcase full of stuff with some of the answers: soccer cleats, ballet shoes, hiking boots, childhood items. But I would suggest it's not necessarily your ability but the lessons you have learned from soccer, dance, scouts, drama, softball, the classroom that needs to last a lifetime.

When you are in the grind, there is no room for hope, there just isn't because we are pushing too hard. Perhaps our only answer to the question, "What do you see in the future?", should be "sandals". (The kind Jesus wore.) There is nothing more important than being or having children that are faithful disciples who travel lightly. In biblical times, they didn't have a choice but to travel lightly.

The movie "The Race to Nowhere" points out that while the race has a few winners, the course is littered with emotional baggage. The good news is our faith tells us we don't need a suitcase full of stuff, we just need God. John Ortberg at Frederic Buechner's blog suggest: God wishes to be seen, wishes to be sought, wishes to be expected, and wished to be trusted. I would add "wishes to be carried with you."

In a recent spelling bee (where kids are crazy smart) they asked one participant, "What will you take with you?" Her response was I will take with me: "A suitcase full of happy memories, great friends, and a true feeling of acceptance." So as you journey on there is an empty suitcase before you. With graduation, you are to commit to the journey, not the outcome. You never make "it" elusive.

While there is plenty telling you right now that it is all about you. You know Becky will always tell you it isn't about you. As a Christian you have signed up for a life of service, regardless of what you major in, what school you go to, or what degree you secure. The most important questions you can ask is where is God at work in my new community and how can I join in?

Everyone has an empty suitcase ready for life's new journey; you may try on several outfits to find one that fits, but available to you is a wardrobe of magnificent potential.

Many of us were saddened this week by the death of Maya Angelou. Her last tweet was: "Listen to yourself and in that quietitude you might hear the voice of God." I want to give each of you a chance to hear that voice as we listen to the song, "Suitcases" by Dara Maclean.

In packing a new suitcase the first step is discernment. While each of you have some vague notions and hopes regarding what the end result of campus life, or empty nest, or one child might look like, it's difficult to say or commit any one thing. It is important to trust the work of the holy spirit, to lead and guide in this next place.

Parents in all the excitement of the next few months your children may be too busy to say they love you or thank you. They may not always text you back right away next year at college but I know these young people and I can promise you for them when they lay their head down at night-they will think of you and wonder if you are okay and they will pray for you.

Thank you for the gift you have given me in each of your children.

Blanket Presentation
Becky:
Parents, when Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus and found him in the temple talking with the elders, they realized that Jesus was no longer a child. This is such a moment. We rejoice with you as we recognize your sons and daughters as young men and women. We stand with you to support you as they begin their journey to adulthood.

Youth Workers:
(Let us pray.) God of mercy and love, enfold these parents with your grace. Increase in them the spirit of wisdom and understanding. Teach them how to truly listen with a spirit of love, patience and gentleness. Bless these parents as they watch their sons and daughters enter into adulthood. Strengthen and uphold then as they comfort their sons and daughters, remembering that they can neither walk the journey for them, nor shield them from pain. Carry them safely through this journey so that they may stand together as adults and friends. Amen.

Becky:
Graduates, there was a day when your parents held you in their arms and rocked you to sleep. They cuddled you in a blanket to keep you warm, safe and comforted. Very soon you will be launching a new life, away from safety and security of your home, family, church and community. As you go in this world, may this blanket be a reminder of your parent's love and the nurture of this Christian community. And on those nights when we cannot wrap you in our arms, may you wrap yourself in this blanket and know that in God's family you are never alone.

Jim:
(Parents, please repeat after me.)
Thank you for the gift you been to us. You have given our lives a deeper meaning and a deeper calling. As you begin to build the life that will be your own, we stand with you and support you. May we be patient and understanding, ready to guide and forgive, that in our love for you, you may know the love of God. You are holy and wonderful and blessed. We are your parents and we support you on this journey.

Becky:
(Seniors, repeat after me.)
Thank you for being there when I need you the most. You have loved and cared for me even when it was difficult. I honor you for your courage, patience, wisdom and love. Wherever I go, your love and example will continue to bless me. Whatever I choose, I know that God will help show me the way. I am your child and I will always love you.

Communion

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend South Point's softball game.  It was Haley's Senior Night.  I was impressed with the dignity afforded the occasion in an outdoor venue that can often be perfunctory.  Haley entered on the arms of her mother and dad under the umbrella of precision swords assembled by the South Point ROTC.  A prepared speech by Haley was shared by a faculty representative followed by the presentation of flowers.  Then it was time to play ball!

The singing of the National Anthem provided yet another special moment.  It was listening to an 84 year old, retired postmaster and lifelong Red Raider sing with gusto every word of the Star-Spangled Banner.  The pride in his voice punctuated the sky in a manner our generation will never understand.

Thank you Haley and Joe for making Friday night a remarkable memory, not just another ballgame.

Which One's Your Kid?

The sun filled skies were the perfect backdrop to a recent golf match at Crowder's Mountain. As I meandered the course, I found myself more than once in the way of match play. Obviously they frown upon you taking a shortcut across their fairway. So I thought surely I would be safe on the golf cart path. Apparently that too interferes with a ball being driven thru the greens. I then became confused with the club signage that said "Golf Carts only on Path". Did that mean you couldn't drive the cart somewhere else or a person didn't qualify to stand on the path?

This trip to the golf match was becoming quite perplexing. My final task was to pick Drew out from all the other male high school golfers roaming around in shorts, collared shirts and hats. Finally I see him cresting the hill. I try to remain inconspicuous in my orange leggings, but he sees me, speaks and moves on to birdie the hole.

A golf cart rider stops to ask, "Which one is your kid?" Beaming with pride, I say, "Drew." "He's in the black shirt," the inquirer asks? "Yes." The it dawned on me, I should probably clarify for the observer that Drew is not my flesh and blood. However, I knew it would be impossible to describe my relationship with Drew and any other member of the youth group at FUMC for that matter. It seemed best to leave well enough alone. Which one is your kid? They all are! The depth of my love for Drew and others through Jesus Christ shines as bright as that 80 degree day on the golf course.

Super Bowl Sunday

I remember the first time I went to the Super Bowl. A relative called to offer two free tickets. Our only expense would be for travel and hotel. I couldn't wait to call Charlie and tell him the good news! When he answered I shouted, "We have tickets to the Super Bowl!" Deadpan Charlie said, "You're kidding, right?" So I launched into my not so "Cliff-Notes" explaination. As I reinterated, "We only have to pay for travel and hotel." No emotion Charlie said, "Do you know where it is?" HA, of course the answer was, "No, I don't, but what does it matter?" We had free tickets to the Super Bowl! Again, Charlie spoke using only the necessary syllables. "San Diego," he says. My turn to say, "You're kidding, right?" However, I knew that he wasn't. I could hardly contain myself, a trip to San Diego that's fantastic! Imagine the cost of hotel and travel a week before the event? But my spontaneous self won over Charlie's logic and we were headed to our first ever Super Bowl. It was an amazing experience and a lesson learned!

I believe some things in life are just meant to go and do. Reminds me of David's sermon from the "go to book." God sometimes just needs us to "GO" and figure out the details along the way.

Setting the Table

One of the things I remember most from our previous mission trip to Washington, DC is the distinct dichotomy of power and poverty located within a few blocks of each other.  While our world is very complex, Jesus voice is clear and concise:  Love One Another.  This means we do not get to choose who sits at our table.  The kingdom vision welcomes guests who do not look or live like us.  

Our senior highs will be visiting Washington, D.C., next week.  Please be in prayer as we go to serve in places where Jesus calls us to set his table.

Throw open the shutter and throw out the trash

Tim Elmore (in his blog) reminded me of an old Italian tradition that is still practiced today. On New Year's Day, you open up the front door or window and throw out everything you want to get rid of from the past year.

While this may be a bit dramatic, I love the visual image of out with the old and in with the new. At the very least, it is a reminder that periodically we all must reflect, release and move forward.

I have never relied on New Year's resolutions to set my agenda for the coming year. For me, life is pretty simple. There are always things I can do better, ways I can care more, and generosity I can extend more. But the best thing I have going for me is my faith in Jesus Christ. When I live in that knowledge then nothing is about me and everything is about Him. So maybe I should throw everything out the front door and keep only my Bible and my Sabbath corner to praise God from whom all blessings flow each and every day.