3-14-2017

 Good Morning All,

              Ephesians 2:10; “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

     This past winter we had a circuit wide confirmation class.  We had it in the gym of one of our larger churches.  Around the outside of the gym were the rooms they used for Sunday School.  Each room was numbered.  There were a number of rooms.  There was room 10, there was room eleven and then there it was the room for old chairs.  One of our fellow pastors was standing next to me; he pointed to the room and told me, “that’s why I don’t stand around too long in one place here; I might end up in the “old chair room”.  I chuckled but I also thought I am getting closer to the “old chair room.” 

    It is probably the most common fear that most of us have.  I often think we fear becoming useless more than we fear death.  It is a fear that I hear often.  People will lament their inability to do what they used to do and how they aren’t worth the trouble.  It usually progresses to “I don’t know why God leaves me here; I am worthless!”  The despair is real, the anguish is intense; feeling useful is important to us especially if we are used to being involved and active.  I remember when I retired from the school board, even as I decided I was done; it was somewhat disappointing that the meeting continued smoothly as I left, almost like I was never there.  It felt empty and hollow.

    Yet, I moved on to different challenges but what happens when you don’t see the next challenge?  Retiring from a job or profession that means a lot to you is difficult at best.  Yet we should never stop looking; never stop witnessing.  Our sphere of influence may change but the God whom we witness to never does.  What we may end up doing is looking for different avenues to impact.  It may be more local, like volunteering at a local school or hospital or nursing home.  It might be mentoring some students who need help.  It might be as simple as being there to listen and care.

    There are dozens of avenues for us to witness and to do the good works that God has placed out there for us.  He has nurtured and cultivated these new avenues.  It might be through hobbies or new acquaintances.  It might be through the advent of new habits that occur in a new routine.  The important thing is to be open to them and willing to engage in opportunities that God provides for us.

    The important thing to remember is that even in retirement or other changes in our life; God never stops loving us or desiring that we be with him.  God never retires his redeeming grace from us.  We will always be his child.

Father in heaven, your mercy ever calls us to walk forward with your Spirit.  We seek your guidance and direction.  Open our eyes and our hearts to those around us who are in need of your love.  Use our hands to bring about your healing.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret