Our 'Call'

Noticing-Listening-Responding

Last Saturday, I was privileged to attend a service of worship for the Commissioning of a Lay Pastor.  It was a beautiful service, where the common thread weaving through the prayers, meditations, and music was our answer to God’s call in our lives.

Noticing-Listening-Responding

I was reminded that each of us has been given a gift; a gift God needs us to share with His world – because that is how God works in His world.  Our gift is our call; have you noticed yours?

Noticing-Listening-Responding

But it is not enough to notice, we must listen to where that call might lead and trust the voice that directs us.  Do you believe God is calling you to engage your gifts with others?  Do you have a sense of what that might look like?

Noticing-Listening-Responding

The following thought is what really grabbed my attention, “Our call is not about us. Our call is about God loving his creation so much that he asks we respond with our gifts to help in His healing a hurting world.”   Imagine that, God has blessed each one of us with a call that is designed for a purpose.   A partnership with God, so to speak, to share His love with those who need His touch; just as someone else uses their call to touch our life.

I love that idea, it’s not all about us, it’s about God loving His creation.  Yet our part is to . . .

Notice-Listen-Respond

BETWEEN SATURDAYS

Walking the Labyrinth

“OK, I hear you, I get it, at least for right now.  But remind me again tomorrow!”

Those were my final sentences in last week’s posting on waiting and community.  Much to my surprise, God chose to remind me while walking the labyrinth at our Morning Apart.

Now let me say right up front, I’m not all that keen on a labyrinth!  We’ve had one at several Mornings Apart, yet I have only attempted the journey around the circles on one other occasion.  Even then, I’m not so sure I actually finished the walk.  I made it to the center and began my return when I just gave up and walked out, not caring at all that I wasn’t following the prescribed route!  I think it might have something to do with “trust issues”!   You couldn’t convince me those curved paths would lead to freedom!  I also was under the false assumption that one road led to the center and a completely separate one meandered its way out.  I was not prepared to meet a fellow traveler on the same path walking in the opposite direction. 

So on our stormy Saturday morning, I said “What the heck, I’ll give it another try.  Can’t go for a walk or sit outside in the rain!”  I envision Jesus smiling, shaking his head, and saying “Alright, now I can shower a few reminders her way, like she asked me to do!” (Do you ever dialogue with Jesus like that, or am I crazy here?!  Perhaps for a later posting!!)    

Anyway, with each turn of the path, I began to understand that while on my solitary walk, I was not alone, but in community.  On two occasions, I met other travelers trekking out as I was heading in.  The first time I accused the person of doing it all wrong – I mean really, how could she NOT know how to walk a labyrinth properly!  We got the giggles over the whole situation. Even though we were breaking the silence of the morning and contemplative had flown out the window, it was a cherished glimpse of community!  The second encounter was with a friend who stopped to give me a hug and whisper words of strength and encouragement.   Another hushed moment where God’s voice came through loud and clear “You are in community.”  I experienced walking parallel with someone who is a new acquaintance in my life, as well as watching a familiar face make their way around the circle, but never coming in close proximity with each other.  Community, in the sweet simple times, as well as the waiting times.  

I learned the labyrinth is truly a metaphor for my journey.  The twists and turns, the long smooth roads, making it to a goal and then quickly seeking a new one.  Walking alone, along side, opposite or in unison, with laughter, joy, empathy and love. 

What a profound reminder I was given on a blustery Saturday morning!

 P.S.  I taught Pre-K in this classroom almost 30 years ago.  Life coming full circle - literally!

Waiting, Community, and Elephant Seals

My friend and I spent a beautiful weekend in Cambria.  It was our private “Silent Retreat”, with talking allowed!  The drive up was spectacular, as was the view of the ocean from our patio on Moonstone Beach.  Paradise at hand, no need for stressful thoughts and yet they crept into my mind as those familiar thieves who enjoy stealing my peace! 

The situation that has been plaguing me for over two years began its stranglehold on my outlook.  I tried to put on a happy face, as I didn’t want to spoil the weekend for my friend, which of course didn’t work (never does!)

Then I read the following in one of my daily meditation books:

“Sometimes we face circumstances that are unlikely to change rapidly, such as a long season of grief or a physical disability.  If we pray only for circumstances to change, we can grow discouraged or frustrated as we wait.  Instead of focusing your prayers exclusively on circumstances, ask God for the fellowship that strengthens faith.”

A light bulb came on!  Community!  Here I was in a community with one other person at that very moment.   All I needed to do was invite her to walk with me in my waiting.  Her faith would give me strength when my own needed replenishing. 

I began thinking of all the other places where I can wait in community with fellow believers.  My church, Mornings Apart, small group, bible study, dear trusted friends and my family.   And I’ve come to realize the details aren’t all that important.  We’ve all had periods of waiting, times of focusing on the outcome rather than handing it over to God.   What is important is to step out of isolation. There is strength in numbers – waiting together – being surrounded by faith.

Our weekend included taking a drive up the coast to see the Elephant Seals.  There they were, one great big community!   As they waited to begin their journey of migration, they huddled together to survive the elements. 

As I looked out at that vast sea of  mammals lying in the sand, I chuckled at God!  

“OK, I hear you, I get it, at least for right now.  But remind me again tomorrow!”

God Spelled D-O-G

PERFECTION

Spudster and I were walking down Foothill Blvd. last Sunday, when I stopped to talk with a former colleague who was coming out of church (I had attended an earlier service, lest you think I was goofing off on the Sabbath!)  She looked lovely in her “all-black” outfit, which clearly was a magnet for my “all-white” Spud!

 As I continued to lure Spud with treats to keep his distance from her Sunday finest, she laughed and said after raising three little ones who drooled, spit up, and released various other bodily fluids all over her, she learned to give up on the idea of perfection years ago!  I replied she caught on much faster than me; I have only recently begun to take a peek at my ridiculous attempts of appearing perfect!

I think I’ve made headway and then I am caught off guard.  Luckily God has a wonderful sense of humor.  You see my boy, Spud?  What’s the first thing you notice?  I’ll just bet it is his cock-eyed ear!  That was the first thing I spotted, only I didn’t find it endearing. His ear was goofy, he was not perfect and I wasn’t so sure I wanted to adopt this dog with the “defective” ear!

Well, most of you know the end of this story.  I am totally head over heals in love with Spud.  He is my buddy, who gets me out walking twice a day, loves to go on bye-bye rides, and is the best morning cuddler ever!  And here’s what I have noticed when we are out and about together, the first thing people do when they see Spud is smile and say how they love that ear!  “What a great face!” I hear time and time again.  I simply nod and say it’s his natural look!

So what attracts people to my Spud?  His imperfection!  I thought I had learned that by now, evidently not!  As I said, I’m glad God has a sense of humor – and patience!