Dear People of St. David's,
I pray that you and yours are well. I want to offer my deepest thanks and gratitude for all that you do to build this Christian community and make a difference in the world. The Thanksgiving bags to support the people of St. Gabriel's and St. John's flew out of here on Sunday morning - how extraordinary to see! Many have already been returned. It reminded me once more of the generosity God has instilled in the heart of our community. On behalf of God, I want to say thank you.
In this year of Christ is Calling, I've been pondering the different ways we hear Christ's call. Sometimes it comes to us through other people. Sometimes we fall into some activity or way of prayer. Sometimes we are asked to join in a ministry or activity. It strikes me that Christ calls us when we are ready to hear that call. Someone or something catches our attention and in that moment, we are open and hear Christ's voice. On some levels this is a passive way of hearing Christ's call. Too many times, we forget to ask what Christ might have in mind for our lives. We forget to take that moment to pause and ask God for guidance or strength or direction.
I know in my own life, I move along on my own. I tend to make decisions and choices on my own, in areas of life where I have some knowledge or some experience; deaf to what God might have in mind. Most times it works out okay, but it often comes with more work and leanness of spirit than God has in mind. When left to my own devices and decision making, I miss out on the sense of joy and wonder that comes for all of us when we involve God. On the other hand, when I pause or take a moment to ask God what to say or do or how to be, I am strangely and wonderfully directed and empowered.
Asking God first often brings about an entirely different result and is one of the invitations that runs through the scripture. God promises time and again that if we will ask; if we will trust; if we will wait on God's direction, then we will be led on a straighter, more fulfilling path. It all begins when we ask first.
So in the year of Christ's calling, I encourage all of us to be more willing and active in asking God for direction. God is willing and able, and when we ask, we will be blessed and we will be a blessing.
Grace and Peace.
