From The Pastor - November/December Spire

"Making Room"

was the easy part. Finding room, or the right place to put it, was more challenging. Something had to go in order to make room: a used piano we had purchased just a couple of year earlier. At the time of the purchase the piano had been a good idea, but now for a whole host of reasons no one really played it. The next task was to find the piano a good home; one where it would be played, enjoyed and appreciated.

This is a situation that everyone can relate to, and not just because most of us have too much stuff. It represents a bigger issue: learning to adjust to the changes that come as a part of life. As our interests, responsibilities, wants and needs change we must make adjustments. This leads to the challenge of making room or fitting in all that we want and need to do. Change means letting some things go so that new things can be discovered. It is not that the things we let go of are no longer important or valuable; it is more that they are no longer a priority. They have helped shape us even as they no longer define us. They are much like those wonderful old pictures that cause us to stop, remember, perhaps laugh and hopefully give thanks, as we move forward with the business of living our lives.

Moving forward with the business of living our lives involves a delicate balance.  Making room for the changes and newness does not mean neglecting or denying the past. It would truly be tragic if our finding a new home for that piano in order to make room for the desk meant that music was no longer a part of our household. And yet, often this is what happens. People think they need to discard what was, in order to make room for what will be. Life does not need to be an "either-or." It ought to be a "both-and", as we affirm that who we have been to this point helps shape who we will be tomorrow. 

Making room is difficult. It can be emotional, stressful, frustrating and sometimes very subtle. Sometimes our need to make room comes about as situations and events are thrust upon us. Other times it is because of choices and decisions that others have made that impact our lives. I believe people are better able to make room for the inevitable changes in life if they are grounded in their relationship with God. The strength and perspective that faith offers can help us as we decide what to let go of and what to hold onto. Our faith can also help us see that even when we let go of something, its importance and meaning remains a part of who we are.

As we enter our second program year together, and begin to think about our ministry and mission together beyond the "getting to know you" phase, my hope is that we will allow God's grace to guide and sustain us. If we do I believe it will be easier for us to make room for the new opportunities that will come our way.

Peace,

Eric