"What if God does not write you back?"

I had an encounter with a child about the age of seven. This young person wrote a letter to God which read:

Dear God, if you are real, please write yes or no on the back. If you need me to do anything please write it here. Please help me not be afurade (sic) of monsters. From your servant, (child's name)

There was a deep feeling in my bowls and to the point now that when I read this letter even now, I am moved with a mix of emotions. In the moments after reading this letter to God, I asked the child, "What if God does not write you back?" 

This child looked at me with innocent wide eyes and stated in a matter of fact voice, "I will just wait."

In all my years of training and ministry, in all my years of practicing patience and listening, I was humbled by the wisdom of this seven year old. 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 27:14

Preacher of the Month - November

In a new and ongoing effort to highlight the different voices around the United Methodist world that I live in, I would like to introduce you to @@Rev. Molly Simpson, the Preacher of the Month@@ (November 2015).

I invite you to also spend time to learn more about her in the full write up here.

Something this pastor never needs to hear

I hear a great number of things that break my heart. I hear all the same things that life has to say with it's mix of joy and sorrow. Like everyone, there are things that I cannot avoid hearing. And like everyone, I am as inconsistent with my ability to respond to these things. However this is at least one thing that I never need to hear:

"I know you are busy but..."

Let me be clear it is not the "but" that is the problem. It is the assumption that I am too busy for a relationship. 

Here is the thing, I am not the only pastor that never needs to hear this. Many of us are called to be people who are available. It is the reason we engage in spiritual practices so that we can be available to God. We try to discipline our lives so that we can be available for anyone who comes by to talk. We trust that we will have enough time to do the things that are most important. We trust that God will perfect the work that we have left undone.