Easter thoughts!

There are times in life when life runs on its own time.

For all the plans we make, we can’t seem to get things all on the same page.  An appointment is cancelled, or late.  A discussion you had planned takes a totally different twist.  Or your hair just doesn’t want to stay in place.

The question?  Can we live with timing that is not our own?

In the past three months we (my wife and I) have attempted to attend a retreat — actually planned as a retreat and not just a denominational meeting.  Interrupted!  I had a retreat planned with some other pastors.  Interrupted. 

My wife and I are both looking at possible surgery (knees and batteries!) — hoping for this summer.  But waiting lists are just that.  Next summer??

"To control our own fates" is a phrase of hope — false hope!  I’m convinced, more than ever, that we are not our own masters.  There is a control outside of ourselves.  For those who have worked with AA, Alcoholics Anonymous has made famous the idea that our lives (post addiction, or one might say, in recognition of "sin") must start with an acquiescence to a higher power. 

There is good reason in the nitty-gritty of each and every day, to believe that!  To even name that power, "God". 

Our society is a very spiritual society — 12 step programs testify to the realization that we can not make it on our own!  People know there has to be a God.

But to just be spiritual is not enough!  There are a myriad of spiritual advisors.  All with different approaches and conflicting ideas.  Casting around in the darkness, grabbing the mist, merely frustrates.  But when you grab a solid object, your continued experience of holding on confirms the reality.

In my life, I have found that solid foundation.  And the more I explore, the more substantial the foundation.  In fact, I would go so far as to say all other foundations will crumble when compared to  that foundation. 

Because of this, I want to invite others to come see what I have found. 

On Easter weekend, let me just say that the liveliness of Jesus, the ability to walk and talk with him, and the relationship with others of like experience continues to push me onwards.  This is not an exploration of theology (although I am willing to go there!), nor an exploration of comparative religions (I’ll gladly go there too!). 

This is my story.