Ephesians 1:16
I wasn't going to walk this morning. I have too much to do: boxes left to
pack, a computer left to clean off, too, too much on my mind. I wasn't
going to walk and yet I know that not only is it my best
praying/thinking/"writing" time, it's just plain good for me. So at a
little after 6 I set out --- marveling as I stepped out the door at the
brisk air, reminding me that autumn is just around the corner. I headed
down Meadow Lane, but took a left instead of heading towards the bike
path, letting my feet just carry me where they would. I walked some
streets I had driven before ----- remembering then how much more I notice
on foot than when I'm thinking ahead to whatever errand has called me.
And I found myself surprised as I walked a sidewalk I know I had been on
dozens of times before and noticed something that has to have been there
for a long time. I looked down to see little squiggle marks embedded in
the cement. It looked like dozens of worms had crawled there when the
cement was still wet…. Leaving their marks for all of time: or at least
until someone sees fit to break it up and replace it.
And I wondered then about the marks we leave behind ---- for good and bad,
to be sure. And I wondered especially at that which seems to be embedded
deep within the human soul: that yearning, when all else is said and done,
to have made a difference. There are lives, to be sure, where the
'difference' is obvious. For those who build highways or buildings, for
those who write books or scholarly articles, for those who farm and feed
the world, for those who heal the human body the difference if obvious.
For those of us --- we teachers and parents and social workers and pastors
and others who work with people? The difference can be a little harder to
measure. At least I know I find myself wondering sometimes --- hoping it
has mattered. Perhaps you wonder sometimes, too.
As I wrap up my time as pastor of Salem, I want you to know that you have
made a difference, that you have made a mark. Every time you welcomed me
into your home, your life, your heart, it made a difference as you shared
your hopes, your hurts, your fears, your joys. Every birth, every death,
every illness, every struggle, every joy, every prayer you whispered in my
behalf or in behalf of the ministry we shared: all of this has shaped me
in ways that will make themselves known far into the future God has given
me. Hard to measure? Surely, it is. But it has worked to build my soul,
my spirit, my heart in ways that will live forever as I seek to pass on
the gifts that you have given me.
Over the next several weeks I will be writing thank you notes for your
kind expressions of gratitude for what we have shared. Consider this the
first of them. You have made a mark on me ---- more lasting even than
squiggly worms in cement. I have indeed known the profound goodness of
God in all that we have shared.
Peace to you and many blessings.
Pastor Janet
Coming Up at Salem:
The People of God gather for worship at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 8 and 10:30
on Sunday for worship. Home Bound Communion Ministers will be blessed and
sent at all three services.
It's not too late to think ahead to Rally Day on September 11th. Lots of
good things will be happening including hosting a Dixieland Band, a 9/11
Remembrance, and registration for Sunday School. If you've been thinking
about teaching or helping with Sunday School, call the church office
(815-895-9171)for more information on how to volunteer.
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