Wayne's Deployment
Stories
Object:
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
"In The Event of Power Failure" by Charles D. Reeb
"Where's the Finish Line?" by John Smylie
What's Up This Week
Life is full of challenges. The existence into which we were born is not an easy one. No matter how much we try to insulate ourselves from the world around us, we will still face hardship. The question is: How do we respond to it? Do we retreat in despair or press on in hope? For Christians, as we commemorate the ascension of Jesus, it can be easy to fall into apathy or disillusionment as we await the return of our Lord. However, as "Wayne's Deployment" illustrates, we can either despair that the Lord we love is not physically here with us, or we can wait expectantly and hopefully for the wonderful day of his return. While we wait, however, we are still faced with the challenge of living out our faith here on Earth. Do we fall exhausted off the path when circumstances get bad or do we push through, running this marathon to win. Charles D. Reeb offers insight into the power God offers us to run that marathon in "In the Event of Power Failure." Also, Jesus himself gives us the model of endurance to follow, as explained in "Where's the Finish Line?"
* * * * * * * * *
Wayne's Deployment
Argile Smith
Acts 1:1-11
Wayne had his orders in his duffle bag when he walked through the door into Todd's room. A soldier who wanted to make a career out of military service, he knew that soon enough he would get an overseas assignment. That's why his deployment to Afghanistan didn't surprise him.
Being single made the assignment a little easier because he didn't have to leave behind a wife or children. Leaving his mom and dad and especially Todd, his little brother, turned out to be difficult enough. Going upstairs and walking through the door to Todd's bedroom to tell him good-bye tore at his heart.
He and Todd sat on the floor and talked about the assignment. Wayne reassured his little brother that he would return safe and sound. They talked about what they would do while they were separated and what they would do together once he came home. And then Wayne gave Todd that kind of hug known only to brothers who care about each other.
When the time had come for Wayne to leave, he said good-bye to his mom and dad who had been waiting downstairs. Todd had walked with him down the steps. When Wayne hugged his parents, picked up his duffle bag, and walked outside to his car, Todd followed him. As Wayne drove away, Todd rushed to the street and watched as the taillights faded in the distance. For a long time he just stood there. Perhaps he hoped that Wayne would turn around and come home. Or maybe he regretted that he couldn't go with Wayne.
Soon his mom joined him in the street, and the two of them stood together, weeping but saying nothing. His mom simply ran her hands through his hair like she had done so many times before when she sensed that he was upset about something. It was her way of consoling him without uttering a word. Actually, nothing could be said. Wayne had to go, and everyone who loved him had to stay.
But then she said, "Todd, Wayne's coming home. Just wait and see." And with that, the two of them walked back into the house, still weeping but now walking together in the resolve that they would be strong for each other and for Wayne.
Thanks to email messages, cell phone calls, and letters, Todd and his parents got to hear from Wayne more often than they anticipated. Wayne tried to keep them posted regularly on how things were going for him, the people he worked with, and - to a limited extent - the work he was doing.
A few months passed, and the family got some good news about Wayne. They found out that he had been given a promotion. Although the circumstances were sketchy, the point was clear. Wayne's superior officer recognized his potential for leadership and had placed a significant number of soldiers under his command.
Not long afterward, Wayne's family found out about a commendation that he had received. Again, the information regarding the reason for the commendation was a little vague, but it had to do with meritorious service in the line of duty.
The details related to Wayne's promotion and commendation found a home in Todd's imagination. He investigated the kinds of metals and badges Wayne had been given, and he imagined them emblazoned on his brother's uniform. One day he would see Wayne coming home, bearing on his uniform all of the symbols of his success. Todd looked forward to his brother's return that much more.
The ascension of Jesus leaves with a similar batch of mixed emotions. Separation, intimacy, and expectancy blend together in our hearts to strengthen our resolve to follow Him.
Argile Smith is vice president for advancement at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has been the pastor of several congregations in Louisiana and Mississippi, and has also served as a preaching professor, chairman of the Division of Pastoral Ministries, and director of the communications center at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While at NOTBS, Smith regularly hosted the Gateway to Truth program on the FamilyNet television network.
In The Event of Power Failure
Charles D. Reeb
Luke 24:44-53
A friend of mine once shared a story about his first visit to Niagara Falls. He said it was magnificent -- the rush and roar of the water -- the display of raw power. But as he looked upon the water gushing forth, he remembered a picture in a textbook. It showed Niagara Falls in the middle of winter and much of the water was frozen. Big lightning- shaped forms of water were at a standstill. There was no movement, no action, no power. As my friend reflected on the picture, he thought how disappointing it would be to go to Niagara Falls and not hear the roar and feel the power of the water but only see the great Niagara frozen.
Can you relate to the image? Frozen power. Have you ever felt powerless over your life? Have you ever felt unmotivated or uninspired? Well, the good news is that those who follow Jesus Christ are promised power beyond themselves to cope with life and be witnesses in this world. Before Jesus ascends into heaven he proclaims, "You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:48).
What a beautiful promise! The apostles who heard Jesus give this promise might have been unsure of what Jesus meant and when this power would be received. However, when they were filled with power at Pentecost they could not contain it. The Spirit motivated and empowered them to be witnesses "to the end of the earth," and Christianity spread like a rushing flood of water throughout the world.
Given this wonderful promise why is it that so many of us often don't feel empowered as we go about our lives and seek to live out our faith? One reason could that some of us don't expect the power. We have low expectations of God. The late Bishop Noah Moore liked to tell the old story of a crowd that went to the hilltop to pray for rain. Drought has devastated the area. Crops and cattle had died, and the land was parched. As the desperate crowd went up the hill, an African-American woman joined them. She had a raincoat, rain hat, rain boots, and an umbrella. She looked silly, so someone asked her, "What are you doing with all this stuff? Don't you know it has not rained in weeks?" Her response was priceless: "Why are you climbing up this hill, anyway? If I ask God for rain, I expect a downpour!"
Another reason many of us don't feel empowered is that we neglect the power. One New Year's Day, during the Tournament of Roses Parade, a beautiful float suddenly stopped. It was out of gas. The entire parade was held up until someone brought a can of gas. The amusing thing was that the float represented the Standard Oil Company! Standard Oil's truck was out of gas, even with all of its oil resources.
We laugh at such an event but is this not a parable for many in the church? There are Christians who sputter through life with no spiritual power because they have run out of gas. They have neglected the power that comes through prayer, Bible study, worship, and service and they are running on fumes. How can we have power if we are not plugged in to the power source?
It could be that some of us are not empowered because we are afraid of the power. I am continually amazed at the number of people I come across who feel they are called to be more, to do more, but they are terrified to live out their calling. They have incredible gifts and graces aching to be used, but they stop short because their fears paralyze them. This is sad, for if the power of Christ is inspiring any of us to act in his name, we can be sure that he will give us everything we need to see it through.
The migratory plover is a marvelous bird. It spends its summers in the far arctic regions of the north and its winters in South America. When migrating, it makes a non-stop flight the covers a distance of 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Included in the long journey is a 2,500-mile flight over nothing but ocean. As the plover flies, it never veers from its course more than a half a mile unless driven by the wind or interrupted by some lurking danger. If, by chance, it is sidetracked, there is a powerful radar system built deep within its organism that brings it back on course. If God does that for a bird, what do you believe God will do for you?
Before Jesus ascended to the Father, he wanted his disciples to know that they would not have to live out their faith on their own power. They would receive "power from on high." Expect God's power. Nurture God's power. Embrace God's power.
*The majority of this text taken from One Heaven of a Party (CSS) by Charles D. Reeb
Charles D. Reeb is the pastor of Tuskawilla United Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida. He has been a featured preacher on the national radio program Day 1 (formerly known as The Protestant Hour). He is the author of two books, One Heaven of a Party and Seven Wonders of the Faith (CSS).
* * * * *
Where's the Finish Line?
John Smylie
John 17:1-11
"I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do" (John 17:4).
For the last several weeks, there has been an enjoyable series of articles written by two women who are part of our local newspaper. One of them is a reporter who often gets her stories on the front page -- she is young, attractive, and energetic. She has served in missionary activity and always appears to be up for a challenge. The other is also young and works more behind the scenes on the editorial staff of the paper. She is married, the mother of young children, and comes across in her reports as one who is quite humble and reflective.
The two of them have decided to run a marathon. That in itself is a very noble ambition. What makes this particular pact between them even more noble is the added obstacle of running the marathon in Colorado beginning in Estes Park where the elevation is way above one mile. In other words, the air is very thin there and the training must take into account the lesser of oxygen that is found at a higher elevation. The two of them are writing stories about their training as they prepare for the marathon this summer. Both of them come across as rather realistic and humble, admitting the times when they fall short in their training regimen. They reflect aloud about their own humanity. They invite the reader into their journey. Both of them wonder if they will finish the race. One of them, the mom, in a recent article has begun to lower her expectations. In chatting with her children, she's come to a kind of interior compromise that suggests that if she even begins the race and runs for more than a mile it will be sort of a personal victory.
The younger of the two also shares the kind of mind games that go on inside of her head as she prepares for this overwhelming task. At times, she chooses to leave her training regimen for the allure of an afternoon nap. I think why I'm so attracted to the two storytellers is that I find myself in the midst of both of their stories. It's so easy to set lofty goals. Perhaps for many of us our marathons are goals like losing 30 pounds that have crept on us over the last several years, or setting aside time to pray at least 45 minutes to an hour a day. Some of us seek to make it a priority to spend more time with our children and less time at work, yet we continue to fall short of this seemingly simple goal. Others determine that they will become more environmentally sensitive by driving their cars less and riding their bicycles and walking more. Some of us may seek to discipline ourselves to become less compulsive in our spending habits only to fall short when we see that irresistible pair of shoes that has our name written on them. On and on the list goes, the list that many of us renew at the end of each year with New Year's resolutions that are usually forgotten by January 15.
We won't know how the two newspaper women do until the summer but every one of us is challenged with similar goals perhaps not as lofty as a marathon but nevertheless challenges that call forth the best from us. Personally I hope the two ladies make it, I hope they're able not only to compete in the marathon but to finish the race even if it takes them several hours more than they anticipate, even if they have to walk across the finish line.
Many of us wonder what we have to do to make a difference in this world of ours. I think there may be something in human nature that is constantly calling us from the comfort of our lives into something more. I believe there is something noble, excellent, engaged, and even driven in the human spirit, something that lives within each of us; perhaps it could be described as a spark of the divine that calls us, moves us, and pushes us toward the divine and toward excellence. I believe that we are each made in the image of God. Though we may not yet understand how that gets to be lived out in the midst of us or through us, I believe there is something in us, a spirit and a life that longs to be lifted up and given to the world in a way that brings glory to God.
Often throughout the years of ministry, I have encountered wonderful and humble human beings who in reflective moments have questioned their value. These are human beings who have given much of themselves to making the world a brighter and better place who nevertheless wonder if their lives really make a difference. It seems to me that these questions arise in so many, particularly in the gifted -- questions of value, questions of worth - and can only be answered by the divine. When Jesus said to his Father in heaven, "I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do," I believe he was referring not only to the work that he had done but to the work that he knew was in front of him.
Our Lord had begun his marathon when he was baptized in the Jordan River by his friend John. He continued his marathon when he went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and confronted the demons and temptations that, if not confronted, could cause him to fall short of his goal. He continued his race as he gathered disciples around him so he could teach them the way of salvation through being in relationship with them. Our Lord engaged in his marathon as he traveled throughout the length of the holy land preaching the good news, giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, strengthening limbs to the lame, and even giving life to the dead. Our Lord ran his race as he challenged the religious and political systems of his day by pointing to a higher way, the way of his Father in heaven, the way of peace and humility and sacrifice. Even at the time of our Lord's praying this prayer that we hear in today's gospel text, our Lord begins to see the finish line and he knows that these last few miles will be the most difficult. He knows that these last few miles, where the air is thin and the pain is excruciating, are also the most important. For our Lord it wasn't so much about winning the race as it was about finishing the race. Finishing the race for him would demand that he not only be misunderstood, but also willing to endure great suffering, the lashes of a whip, the piercing words and spit of the arrogant, the betrayal of his friends, the agonizing death and pain of crucifixion, and the hollowness of death.
In the midst of our questions, in the midst of our wondering where is the finish line for us, let us recognize that our Lord has already completed the race. Let us be open to the truth that our Lord is reaching out to us today, praying for us not only while he was here on Earth but also from the heavens. Let us open ourselves today to the strength that he alone has given us and desires for us to receive. Our Lord did not accomplish his goal by merely relying on his willpower and his human strength. Our Lord accomplished his goal by connecting to his Father in heaven -- by keeping focused on the prize that was to please his Father in heaven. His desire was not for himself but to bring glory to his Father in heaven and grace to us. Let us tap into the wellspring of life who can strengthen us to finish our race. Our Lord's endurance of the marathon that was set before him was aided by the strength given him from above. The same strength is available to us. May we also be willing to receive God's call and the desire to finish the race in a way that brings satisfaction to our souls and glory to our father in heaven and grace to those around us.
Lord, you are calling us to finish the race you have put before us. Lord, you have called each of us to a unique and wonderful existence. Lord, you desire each of us to finish the race and we are well aware of our limitations. We are at times full of excuses and reasons why you have thought too highly of us. Lord, give us the grace to open ourselves to allow you to once again inspire and fill us with the divine spark, your presence, and your strength, so we may run toward the finish line you set in front of us knowing that you are lifting us, even carrying us when our legs are weak, our lungs are burning, and our minds are full of excuses. Let your heart beat within us, let your prayer carry us forward and may our lives surrender to you, giving you glory and grace to those around us.
John S. Smylie is the rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Casper, Wyoming. Previously he served as the dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, Washington. He is a published author and storyteller as well as a singer-songwriter. Smylie recently completed Grace for Today, a collection of 25 stories that explores how grace, loss, and restoration are part of the same fabric.
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StoryShare, May 1 and 4, 2008, issue.
Copyright 2008 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
What's Up This Week
"Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
"In The Event of Power Failure" by Charles D. Reeb
"Where's the Finish Line?" by John Smylie
What's Up This Week
Life is full of challenges. The existence into which we were born is not an easy one. No matter how much we try to insulate ourselves from the world around us, we will still face hardship. The question is: How do we respond to it? Do we retreat in despair or press on in hope? For Christians, as we commemorate the ascension of Jesus, it can be easy to fall into apathy or disillusionment as we await the return of our Lord. However, as "Wayne's Deployment" illustrates, we can either despair that the Lord we love is not physically here with us, or we can wait expectantly and hopefully for the wonderful day of his return. While we wait, however, we are still faced with the challenge of living out our faith here on Earth. Do we fall exhausted off the path when circumstances get bad or do we push through, running this marathon to win. Charles D. Reeb offers insight into the power God offers us to run that marathon in "In the Event of Power Failure." Also, Jesus himself gives us the model of endurance to follow, as explained in "Where's the Finish Line?"
* * * * * * * * *
Wayne's Deployment
Argile Smith
Acts 1:1-11
Wayne had his orders in his duffle bag when he walked through the door into Todd's room. A soldier who wanted to make a career out of military service, he knew that soon enough he would get an overseas assignment. That's why his deployment to Afghanistan didn't surprise him.
Being single made the assignment a little easier because he didn't have to leave behind a wife or children. Leaving his mom and dad and especially Todd, his little brother, turned out to be difficult enough. Going upstairs and walking through the door to Todd's bedroom to tell him good-bye tore at his heart.
He and Todd sat on the floor and talked about the assignment. Wayne reassured his little brother that he would return safe and sound. They talked about what they would do while they were separated and what they would do together once he came home. And then Wayne gave Todd that kind of hug known only to brothers who care about each other.
When the time had come for Wayne to leave, he said good-bye to his mom and dad who had been waiting downstairs. Todd had walked with him down the steps. When Wayne hugged his parents, picked up his duffle bag, and walked outside to his car, Todd followed him. As Wayne drove away, Todd rushed to the street and watched as the taillights faded in the distance. For a long time he just stood there. Perhaps he hoped that Wayne would turn around and come home. Or maybe he regretted that he couldn't go with Wayne.
Soon his mom joined him in the street, and the two of them stood together, weeping but saying nothing. His mom simply ran her hands through his hair like she had done so many times before when she sensed that he was upset about something. It was her way of consoling him without uttering a word. Actually, nothing could be said. Wayne had to go, and everyone who loved him had to stay.
But then she said, "Todd, Wayne's coming home. Just wait and see." And with that, the two of them walked back into the house, still weeping but now walking together in the resolve that they would be strong for each other and for Wayne.
Thanks to email messages, cell phone calls, and letters, Todd and his parents got to hear from Wayne more often than they anticipated. Wayne tried to keep them posted regularly on how things were going for him, the people he worked with, and - to a limited extent - the work he was doing.
A few months passed, and the family got some good news about Wayne. They found out that he had been given a promotion. Although the circumstances were sketchy, the point was clear. Wayne's superior officer recognized his potential for leadership and had placed a significant number of soldiers under his command.
Not long afterward, Wayne's family found out about a commendation that he had received. Again, the information regarding the reason for the commendation was a little vague, but it had to do with meritorious service in the line of duty.
The details related to Wayne's promotion and commendation found a home in Todd's imagination. He investigated the kinds of metals and badges Wayne had been given, and he imagined them emblazoned on his brother's uniform. One day he would see Wayne coming home, bearing on his uniform all of the symbols of his success. Todd looked forward to his brother's return that much more.
The ascension of Jesus leaves with a similar batch of mixed emotions. Separation, intimacy, and expectancy blend together in our hearts to strengthen our resolve to follow Him.
Argile Smith is vice president for advancement at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He has been the pastor of several congregations in Louisiana and Mississippi, and has also served as a preaching professor, chairman of the Division of Pastoral Ministries, and director of the communications center at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While at NOTBS, Smith regularly hosted the Gateway to Truth program on the FamilyNet television network.
In The Event of Power Failure
Charles D. Reeb
Luke 24:44-53
A friend of mine once shared a story about his first visit to Niagara Falls. He said it was magnificent -- the rush and roar of the water -- the display of raw power. But as he looked upon the water gushing forth, he remembered a picture in a textbook. It showed Niagara Falls in the middle of winter and much of the water was frozen. Big lightning- shaped forms of water were at a standstill. There was no movement, no action, no power. As my friend reflected on the picture, he thought how disappointing it would be to go to Niagara Falls and not hear the roar and feel the power of the water but only see the great Niagara frozen.
Can you relate to the image? Frozen power. Have you ever felt powerless over your life? Have you ever felt unmotivated or uninspired? Well, the good news is that those who follow Jesus Christ are promised power beyond themselves to cope with life and be witnesses in this world. Before Jesus ascends into heaven he proclaims, "You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:48).
What a beautiful promise! The apostles who heard Jesus give this promise might have been unsure of what Jesus meant and when this power would be received. However, when they were filled with power at Pentecost they could not contain it. The Spirit motivated and empowered them to be witnesses "to the end of the earth," and Christianity spread like a rushing flood of water throughout the world.
Given this wonderful promise why is it that so many of us often don't feel empowered as we go about our lives and seek to live out our faith? One reason could that some of us don't expect the power. We have low expectations of God. The late Bishop Noah Moore liked to tell the old story of a crowd that went to the hilltop to pray for rain. Drought has devastated the area. Crops and cattle had died, and the land was parched. As the desperate crowd went up the hill, an African-American woman joined them. She had a raincoat, rain hat, rain boots, and an umbrella. She looked silly, so someone asked her, "What are you doing with all this stuff? Don't you know it has not rained in weeks?" Her response was priceless: "Why are you climbing up this hill, anyway? If I ask God for rain, I expect a downpour!"
Another reason many of us don't feel empowered is that we neglect the power. One New Year's Day, during the Tournament of Roses Parade, a beautiful float suddenly stopped. It was out of gas. The entire parade was held up until someone brought a can of gas. The amusing thing was that the float represented the Standard Oil Company! Standard Oil's truck was out of gas, even with all of its oil resources.
We laugh at such an event but is this not a parable for many in the church? There are Christians who sputter through life with no spiritual power because they have run out of gas. They have neglected the power that comes through prayer, Bible study, worship, and service and they are running on fumes. How can we have power if we are not plugged in to the power source?
It could be that some of us are not empowered because we are afraid of the power. I am continually amazed at the number of people I come across who feel they are called to be more, to do more, but they are terrified to live out their calling. They have incredible gifts and graces aching to be used, but they stop short because their fears paralyze them. This is sad, for if the power of Christ is inspiring any of us to act in his name, we can be sure that he will give us everything we need to see it through.
The migratory plover is a marvelous bird. It spends its summers in the far arctic regions of the north and its winters in South America. When migrating, it makes a non-stop flight the covers a distance of 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Included in the long journey is a 2,500-mile flight over nothing but ocean. As the plover flies, it never veers from its course more than a half a mile unless driven by the wind or interrupted by some lurking danger. If, by chance, it is sidetracked, there is a powerful radar system built deep within its organism that brings it back on course. If God does that for a bird, what do you believe God will do for you?
Before Jesus ascended to the Father, he wanted his disciples to know that they would not have to live out their faith on their own power. They would receive "power from on high." Expect God's power. Nurture God's power. Embrace God's power.
*The majority of this text taken from One Heaven of a Party (CSS) by Charles D. Reeb
Charles D. Reeb is the pastor of Tuskawilla United Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida. He has been a featured preacher on the national radio program Day 1 (formerly known as The Protestant Hour). He is the author of two books, One Heaven of a Party and Seven Wonders of the Faith (CSS).
* * * * *
Where's the Finish Line?
John Smylie
John 17:1-11
"I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do" (John 17:4).
For the last several weeks, there has been an enjoyable series of articles written by two women who are part of our local newspaper. One of them is a reporter who often gets her stories on the front page -- she is young, attractive, and energetic. She has served in missionary activity and always appears to be up for a challenge. The other is also young and works more behind the scenes on the editorial staff of the paper. She is married, the mother of young children, and comes across in her reports as one who is quite humble and reflective.
The two of them have decided to run a marathon. That in itself is a very noble ambition. What makes this particular pact between them even more noble is the added obstacle of running the marathon in Colorado beginning in Estes Park where the elevation is way above one mile. In other words, the air is very thin there and the training must take into account the lesser of oxygen that is found at a higher elevation. The two of them are writing stories about their training as they prepare for the marathon this summer. Both of them come across as rather realistic and humble, admitting the times when they fall short in their training regimen. They reflect aloud about their own humanity. They invite the reader into their journey. Both of them wonder if they will finish the race. One of them, the mom, in a recent article has begun to lower her expectations. In chatting with her children, she's come to a kind of interior compromise that suggests that if she even begins the race and runs for more than a mile it will be sort of a personal victory.
The younger of the two also shares the kind of mind games that go on inside of her head as she prepares for this overwhelming task. At times, she chooses to leave her training regimen for the allure of an afternoon nap. I think why I'm so attracted to the two storytellers is that I find myself in the midst of both of their stories. It's so easy to set lofty goals. Perhaps for many of us our marathons are goals like losing 30 pounds that have crept on us over the last several years, or setting aside time to pray at least 45 minutes to an hour a day. Some of us seek to make it a priority to spend more time with our children and less time at work, yet we continue to fall short of this seemingly simple goal. Others determine that they will become more environmentally sensitive by driving their cars less and riding their bicycles and walking more. Some of us may seek to discipline ourselves to become less compulsive in our spending habits only to fall short when we see that irresistible pair of shoes that has our name written on them. On and on the list goes, the list that many of us renew at the end of each year with New Year's resolutions that are usually forgotten by January 15.
We won't know how the two newspaper women do until the summer but every one of us is challenged with similar goals perhaps not as lofty as a marathon but nevertheless challenges that call forth the best from us. Personally I hope the two ladies make it, I hope they're able not only to compete in the marathon but to finish the race even if it takes them several hours more than they anticipate, even if they have to walk across the finish line.
Many of us wonder what we have to do to make a difference in this world of ours. I think there may be something in human nature that is constantly calling us from the comfort of our lives into something more. I believe there is something noble, excellent, engaged, and even driven in the human spirit, something that lives within each of us; perhaps it could be described as a spark of the divine that calls us, moves us, and pushes us toward the divine and toward excellence. I believe that we are each made in the image of God. Though we may not yet understand how that gets to be lived out in the midst of us or through us, I believe there is something in us, a spirit and a life that longs to be lifted up and given to the world in a way that brings glory to God.
Often throughout the years of ministry, I have encountered wonderful and humble human beings who in reflective moments have questioned their value. These are human beings who have given much of themselves to making the world a brighter and better place who nevertheless wonder if their lives really make a difference. It seems to me that these questions arise in so many, particularly in the gifted -- questions of value, questions of worth - and can only be answered by the divine. When Jesus said to his Father in heaven, "I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do," I believe he was referring not only to the work that he had done but to the work that he knew was in front of him.
Our Lord had begun his marathon when he was baptized in the Jordan River by his friend John. He continued his marathon when he went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and confronted the demons and temptations that, if not confronted, could cause him to fall short of his goal. He continued his race as he gathered disciples around him so he could teach them the way of salvation through being in relationship with them. Our Lord engaged in his marathon as he traveled throughout the length of the holy land preaching the good news, giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, strengthening limbs to the lame, and even giving life to the dead. Our Lord ran his race as he challenged the religious and political systems of his day by pointing to a higher way, the way of his Father in heaven, the way of peace and humility and sacrifice. Even at the time of our Lord's praying this prayer that we hear in today's gospel text, our Lord begins to see the finish line and he knows that these last few miles will be the most difficult. He knows that these last few miles, where the air is thin and the pain is excruciating, are also the most important. For our Lord it wasn't so much about winning the race as it was about finishing the race. Finishing the race for him would demand that he not only be misunderstood, but also willing to endure great suffering, the lashes of a whip, the piercing words and spit of the arrogant, the betrayal of his friends, the agonizing death and pain of crucifixion, and the hollowness of death.
In the midst of our questions, in the midst of our wondering where is the finish line for us, let us recognize that our Lord has already completed the race. Let us be open to the truth that our Lord is reaching out to us today, praying for us not only while he was here on Earth but also from the heavens. Let us open ourselves today to the strength that he alone has given us and desires for us to receive. Our Lord did not accomplish his goal by merely relying on his willpower and his human strength. Our Lord accomplished his goal by connecting to his Father in heaven -- by keeping focused on the prize that was to please his Father in heaven. His desire was not for himself but to bring glory to his Father in heaven and grace to us. Let us tap into the wellspring of life who can strengthen us to finish our race. Our Lord's endurance of the marathon that was set before him was aided by the strength given him from above. The same strength is available to us. May we also be willing to receive God's call and the desire to finish the race in a way that brings satisfaction to our souls and glory to our father in heaven and grace to those around us.
Lord, you are calling us to finish the race you have put before us. Lord, you have called each of us to a unique and wonderful existence. Lord, you desire each of us to finish the race and we are well aware of our limitations. We are at times full of excuses and reasons why you have thought too highly of us. Lord, give us the grace to open ourselves to allow you to once again inspire and fill us with the divine spark, your presence, and your strength, so we may run toward the finish line you set in front of us knowing that you are lifting us, even carrying us when our legs are weak, our lungs are burning, and our minds are full of excuses. Let your heart beat within us, let your prayer carry us forward and may our lives surrender to you, giving you glory and grace to those around us.
John S. Smylie is the rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Casper, Wyoming. Previously he served as the dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, Washington. He is a published author and storyteller as well as a singer-songwriter. Smylie recently completed Grace for Today, a collection of 25 stories that explores how grace, loss, and restoration are part of the same fabric.
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StoryShare, May 1 and 4, 2008, issue.
Copyright 2008 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
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