Why celebrate Father’s Day, especially in this world where so many families are split? Life experience has taught me much about Dad’s role in the family.
When Dad spends time with his children, they feel loved.
What Dad thinks about something is important.
What Dad does is to be copied.
Even when Dad is supercritical, uninterested, abusive, rejecting, his children continue to hope, to want Dad to care for them, to love them. Social scientists tell us that all too often children grow up to be just like their father. We celebrate Father’s Day because Dads are important.
Some Dads leave the responsibility for faith nurture to Mom. In my work, I have visited many couples to talk about their child’s baptism. All too often Dad would say, “I’m not much for religion. Oh, I believe in God, but the church stuff, that’s my wife’s territory. Talk to her about that.” Dad may not actively work against Mom’s efforts to teach the Christian faith to their children, he is just absent – absent from church on Sunday’s, absent from any discussion of faith. I am never surprised when the child chooses to copy Dad, and turn away from the church or any other visible practice of faith.
We need to remember that Dad’s are an integral part of the family team, whether or not parents are living together. Celebrating “Father” is extremely important. Dad needs to be affirmed in the positive role he can be for his children. Fathers need encouragement and praise. Like Mothers, Dad’s play a pivotal role in their children’s lives.
On Father’s Day and throughout the year, pray for the Dads you know and those you don’t know. Prayer is not magic, but the love you offer will make a difference.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
(Proverbs 1:8)
Sleep
I woke up one morning feeling rested. Wow, I feel good, I thought. I looked at the clock – 6:30 a.m. My body had enjoyed seven and a half hours of rest. I could feel a thank you rising up from within me. What was unusual about this?
I may not be frugal with my money, but I am frugal with my sleep. I seldom am tucked in bed by eleven. Oh, I know I need sleep. It’s just that I usually have stuff to do every evening. When I finally say, that’s enough, I’m not ready to sleep. After my busy day, I deserve some relaxation time, so I surf the net, or play a game, or read. Suddenly it’s midnight or one a.m. Just a few more minutes, I say to myself. I’ll check my emails. Another hour passes.
Science tells me that when my body has sufficient rest, my mind is more alert. In fact, it’s easier to control my weight when I regularly get enough sleep.
Our Bible contains wisdom for living in relationship with self, with others and with God. Sometimes we leave ourselves out of the equation. St. Paul said that our bodies are God’s temples. As such, we need to experience sufficient sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and enjoy regular exercise. We’re not caring for God’s temple if we’re always exhausted. When we value everything and everyone more than ourselves, we can easily ignore our need for sleep. Caring for others, spreading the Good News, doing God’s will is easier when we’re rested. Best of all, sufficient rest means we can serve with a joyful heart, because sleep lifts our spirits. Shakespeare said, “Sleep precious sleep that knits the raveled sleeve of care.”
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
I may not be frugal with my money, but I am frugal with my sleep. I seldom am tucked in bed by eleven. Oh, I know I need sleep. It’s just that I usually have stuff to do every evening. When I finally say, that’s enough, I’m not ready to sleep. After my busy day, I deserve some relaxation time, so I surf the net, or play a game, or read. Suddenly it’s midnight or one a.m. Just a few more minutes, I say to myself. I’ll check my emails. Another hour passes.
Science tells me that when my body has sufficient rest, my mind is more alert. In fact, it’s easier to control my weight when I regularly get enough sleep.
Our Bible contains wisdom for living in relationship with self, with others and with God. Sometimes we leave ourselves out of the equation. St. Paul said that our bodies are God’s temples. As such, we need to experience sufficient sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and enjoy regular exercise. We’re not caring for God’s temple if we’re always exhausted. When we value everything and everyone more than ourselves, we can easily ignore our need for sleep. Caring for others, spreading the Good News, doing God’s will is easier when we’re rested. Best of all, sufficient rest means we can serve with a joyful heart, because sleep lifts our spirits. Shakespeare said, “Sleep precious sleep that knits the raveled sleeve of care.”
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
A Great Conversation Starter
Making small talk with strangers is not easy for many of us. When a young adult, the question, “What do you do for a living?” served me very well as a conversation starter. After my ordination to ministry, a problem developed when my question was turned back to me. As a single woman on the dance floor, I would answer, “I’m a United Church Minister.” Conversation stopped altogether. Not only could I see the expression on my dance partner’s face, I could feel his body stiffen, as he pushed me out to arm’s length. As soon as the song ended, he would politely return me to my seat. The judgment was made.
Countless times, I have heard, “You don’t act like a minister. You’re fun. You dance. You’re a regular person. It’s not just ministers/pastors who are judged. If we claim that we go to church regularly, eyes glaze over. We know they’re thinking, “Oh yes. You’re one of those.” Jesus ran into a similar problem. People said to him, “You can’t be a religious person. You have the wrong friends. You have too much fun. You forgive people…
I’ve been ordained for 22 years now, and one thing I’ve learned. When people step past their initial reaction, whatever it is, claiming my faith commitment opens doors. It’s almost as if the person has been waiting to have a conversation deeper than the weather, sports or the current reality show. When I have the courage to claim who I am, and the ability to relax and accept whatever reaction that entails, I often make a new friend, have an opportunity to increase understanding, and sometimes even to share my faith in God. Try it, you will be amazed.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:7-8
Countless times, I have heard, “You don’t act like a minister. You’re fun. You dance. You’re a regular person. It’s not just ministers/pastors who are judged. If we claim that we go to church regularly, eyes glaze over. We know they’re thinking, “Oh yes. You’re one of those.” Jesus ran into a similar problem. People said to him, “You can’t be a religious person. You have the wrong friends. You have too much fun. You forgive people…
I’ve been ordained for 22 years now, and one thing I’ve learned. When people step past their initial reaction, whatever it is, claiming my faith commitment opens doors. It’s almost as if the person has been waiting to have a conversation deeper than the weather, sports or the current reality show. When I have the courage to claim who I am, and the ability to relax and accept whatever reaction that entails, I often make a new friend, have an opportunity to increase understanding, and sometimes even to share my faith in God. Try it, you will be amazed.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:7-8
Doubting Thomas
The Bible story we call “Doubting Thomas” is one of my favourites. After his resurrection, Jesus appears to a gathering of his disciples. Thomas for some reason is not there. Maybe he’s out buying food, or running errands, or maybe in the disappointment and pain of Jesus’ crucifixion, Thomas has given up and gone home. When his friends report, “We have seen Jesus.” Thomas says, “Unless I put my fingers in the holes in his palms and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Jesus comes to Thomas and offers his hands and side. Jesus gives Thomas what he needs.
Like Thomas, we struggle to believe, not just in Jesus’ resurrection, but also in God’s love and support of us as individuals. We say, “God doesn’t care about me. I’ll believe in God only when I experience God for myself.” What can we learn from this story?
Thomas is present with the group the second time Jesus appears. Too often, we reject all aspects of faith and stay away from those Christians and their crazy beliefs. God knocks on our door, pounds away, and we keep it slammed shut as tightly as possible. It’s hard to have an experience if we’re not present. Even with our refusal to co-operate, God persists. Sometimes, it takes a bomb to get us to open up; sometimes, Jesus just walks in through the locked door of our hearts.
Rest assured. Jesus will come and offer you what you need, just as he came to Thomas. Why not make it easy? Why not open your heart, gather with the church, choose to be present when the Lord comes.
“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:26-27)
Like Thomas, we struggle to believe, not just in Jesus’ resurrection, but also in God’s love and support of us as individuals. We say, “God doesn’t care about me. I’ll believe in God only when I experience God for myself.” What can we learn from this story?
Thomas is present with the group the second time Jesus appears. Too often, we reject all aspects of faith and stay away from those Christians and their crazy beliefs. God knocks on our door, pounds away, and we keep it slammed shut as tightly as possible. It’s hard to have an experience if we’re not present. Even with our refusal to co-operate, God persists. Sometimes, it takes a bomb to get us to open up; sometimes, Jesus just walks in through the locked door of our hearts.
Rest assured. Jesus will come and offer you what you need, just as he came to Thomas. Why not make it easy? Why not open your heart, gather with the church, choose to be present when the Lord comes.
“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:26-27)
Mother's Day
“I didn’t know being a mother would be a life sentence. I expected two a.m. feedings to leave me exhausted, but I knew it wouldn’t last. I expected defiant two year olds to stretch my patience, but I knew that was just a phase. I expected my baby’s first day of school would be emotional, but I knew that too would pass. With my teenager, I expected a return to sleepless nights, defiant struggles for independence, and concern as first dates, first heart break, first jobs are begun. I knew, though, that even the teen age years would come to an end. Yes, I thought there would be a time when it would all be over. I thought there would be a time when I could let go of worry and responsibility.
As a grandmother, I know that time never comes. Whether our children are model citizens or drug addicts, we never totally lose the worry, the concern that comes with being parents. The joy and the heartache of motherhood is ours for a life time - a life sentence. We never stop loving our child, no matter what. We never give up hoping that our child’s life will turn around. We never totally let go of the pain that comes with any disappointment our child endures. I can only imagine Mary’s pain as she stood at the base of the cross.
For me, the best way of living this life of joy and heartache is knowing that I am not alone in motherhood. God is with me always. God comes to me through people, books, movies, animals, using whatever method necessary to open my heart to the Spirit’s strength and wisdom. In life, in death and even in motherhood, I am not alone. Thanks be to God.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15)
As a grandmother, I know that time never comes. Whether our children are model citizens or drug addicts, we never totally lose the worry, the concern that comes with being parents. The joy and the heartache of motherhood is ours for a life time - a life sentence. We never stop loving our child, no matter what. We never give up hoping that our child’s life will turn around. We never totally let go of the pain that comes with any disappointment our child endures. I can only imagine Mary’s pain as she stood at the base of the cross.
For me, the best way of living this life of joy and heartache is knowing that I am not alone in motherhood. God is with me always. God comes to me through people, books, movies, animals, using whatever method necessary to open my heart to the Spirit’s strength and wisdom. In life, in death and even in motherhood, I am not alone. Thanks be to God.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15)
Loved Into Life
From my seat in the choir loft, I watched a young man named John sitting quietly in the back pew. It was time for the offering. As one of the ushers stepped up to John, he smiled his beautiful smile, reached out his hand and dropped his coins into the plate. I realized I was witnessing one of God’s miracles.
Several years ago, Susan, John’s personal support worker, first brought him to church. John stumbled in, barely able to walk. He sat with his head down and made strange loud noises. Unable to connect with people, John required constant attention. Susan sat with him, taking him out when his sounds became too distracting. Since then, Susan, David and their teenage son, Timothy, have loved John into life. The journey started with Susan doing the job she was paid to do. She gave the severely disabled John respite care in their home. But Susan and her family stepped far beyond any required effort. I can only imagine the patience, courage and faith that they have poured into their ministry with John. John has been redeemed.
Walking will never be easy for him. He can still get carried away and make his strange loud noises. But John laughs, and his eyes are alive. The Sunday service over, I watched John walk out to the church hall, smiling and nodding to congregational members who spoke to him. His speech is limited to single words now and then. He greets my husband with, “Guitar”, because from the beginning, Tom has allowed John to hold his guitar.
I celebrate John. I celebrate Susan and her family, and their ministry of love; and I celebrate our welcoming congregation. God has received our small gift of acceptance and blessed us with being part of a big miracle. I’m sure that for Susan and her family, there have been, and still are, many times of frustration and exhaustion. With God’s help, they have persisted in loving John. For all of us, the harvest is amazing.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
Several years ago, Susan, John’s personal support worker, first brought him to church. John stumbled in, barely able to walk. He sat with his head down and made strange loud noises. Unable to connect with people, John required constant attention. Susan sat with him, taking him out when his sounds became too distracting. Since then, Susan, David and their teenage son, Timothy, have loved John into life. The journey started with Susan doing the job she was paid to do. She gave the severely disabled John respite care in their home. But Susan and her family stepped far beyond any required effort. I can only imagine the patience, courage and faith that they have poured into their ministry with John. John has been redeemed.
Walking will never be easy for him. He can still get carried away and make his strange loud noises. But John laughs, and his eyes are alive. The Sunday service over, I watched John walk out to the church hall, smiling and nodding to congregational members who spoke to him. His speech is limited to single words now and then. He greets my husband with, “Guitar”, because from the beginning, Tom has allowed John to hold his guitar.
I celebrate John. I celebrate Susan and her family, and their ministry of love; and I celebrate our welcoming congregation. God has received our small gift of acceptance and blessed us with being part of a big miracle. I’m sure that for Susan and her family, there have been, and still are, many times of frustration and exhaustion. With God’s help, they have persisted in loving John. For all of us, the harvest is amazing.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
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