Our Easter Sunday meal was at the Near’s. They raise cattle. And calves.
The last while has been calving time. At 5:00 I saw a calf being born. Within 1/2 hour the calf was trying to suck for milk.
Amazing sight. Into the world. Priorities are settled. First nourishment, then off to explore the world!
To illustrate Holy Saturday — the day in the Christian calendar before Resurrection Sunday — I asked our congregation to hold their breath. If they held their breath for a specified time, there was a reward.
Jesus told the disciples to hold their breath — for three days. Judas Iscariot didn’t even get to ventilate before holding his breath. Peter had a bit of a stutter breath while denying Jesus. Others, like those on the road to Emmaus, held their breath but needed someone to confirm that what they believed could really be true.
Oh yes, I only asked the congregation to hold their breath for 24 seconds. That was way to easy. As a matter of fact, two seniors were still holding their breath well into my sermon — although I think one was turning a bit red!!
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.
Four churches. Combined together. Dipping our toes in Maunday Thursday and Resurrection Sunday but with our focus on the cross of Good Friday.
10:00 at the Kindersley Alliance church. If you are able to join us — see you there!