A Decade of Service

There are days when ministry delights me...when my heart leaps with joy....I get to administer the sacraments, bring children and adults into the Body of Christ by way of the Holy Bath...baptisms move my soul into this place of unbelief that God would even trust me this much, that I GET to put water on the crowns of these beautiful humans. I GET to anoint their foreheads with oil and mark the cross of Christ upon them, and tell them they belong to God, always. I GET to look into the eyes of my sweet parishioners, their hands open wide, ready to receive such a gift..I GET to remind them...this Bread, the very Body of Christ is broken for you, this Cup, the blood of Christ, is shed for YOU. YOU, beloved are so very loved. I GET to accompany them in life....and in death, believing in the promises of our Lord, who conquered death, that we will one day all be reunited. And to these promises I cling when ministry is hard, and I'm asked to bury those I love while doing my best to comfort their families as I pray for God's peace to surround them.....and to surround me. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted....my help comes from the Lord. How long, O Lord....out of the depths I cry to you...and you are always with me. And you are with the community that I GET to go out and serve, and with my dear colleagues who bring me hope and guidance, and you are with my dear flock that I love with my whole heart. June 26th was my 10 year mark of service at St Andrew, July 28 marks my 8th ordination anniversary. And I continue to serve with a glad and cheerful heart, at bedsides, graveside, at font and altar, out in our community, and in every relationship I'm blessed to have. This is my calling. This is my joy. Thank you, God.