What is the most important thing I do in a day? Is it getting my email done or calling someone back? Is it studying scripture or helping put the chairs up after the Wednesday community dinner? Sometimes my days are filled with non-pastor stuff, and I feel frustrated I cannot get my work done sooner. Then I must ask myself this question, what is the most important thing I do in a day? Is getting my work done a greater priority then giving my time to another?
Scripture would argue for giving myself to another. When the pandemic hit back in March of 2020, my Bible study was reading a book called, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World, by John Mark Comer. It is a good read that has some real thought-provoking ideas. The thought that has not left me is that the author challenges us by saying, "you can’t really love your neighbor if you are in a hurry all the time."
Loving our neighbor takes time and effort. Loving requires slowing. So that means I must ask myself, am I slowing down so that I can love my neighbor? Am I patient when I get interrupted. Do I sign up and volunteer for ministry or do I give myself the excuse that I am too busy? After the memorial service for Ron Grote, the Bereavement Team and the Kitchen class helped host a beautiful reception dinner. When it was all done and people were heading home, someone asked me if the tables and chairs had to be put away. I knew they did so the youth could enjoy the full space in the Family Life Center the following day. As I moved along with a group of others helping to pack up the tables and chairs, this thought floated through my head. This is the holiest work I have done today. Earlier, I helped with the service for Ron, and I worked on my sermon that morning, but putting away chairs became for me in that moment, a holy experience. I was doing it for Ron and Linda, I was doing it for St. Andrew's, I was doing it to help those working with me, and I was doing it because Scripture teaches me, “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13) As always, Scripture is always right.