There was a time in my life when I winced when someone said "wait till you're fifty!" Well here I am at fifty and I am waiting for that other shoe to drop they talked about. I thought there were be some magical change as I turned fifty but it seems that it is a much more gradual change. I here a friend get up and groan and creak and ask when did that happen. When did falling asleep before 9PM become the norm? Oh and the one we all suffer with when ready is when someone asks, "Do you need me to make your arms longer to read that?"Well here I am at fifty saying to myself, I have my health, I have an AWESOME bunch of friends and family, and I have my faith. As some of you have followed this blog, I have to say, I have had my share of struggles personally and in ministry. I have done my best to follow God's voice, and do the will in mission and ministry. However, when I have been knocked down, it is my faith that says don't quit, get up and find another way. I am finding my faith has been an umbrella over my life for when it rains & pours because that is how life can be. Age can sometimes be a marker for us but it can also be a challenge, a touchstone as we continue along the journey we call life.
I have been preaching in Advent using the book by Adam Hamilton called "The Journey." It chronicles the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem beginning with the announcement and taking us too the manger. In one chapter Hamilton talks about how before she even heard the story Elizabeth spoke with the Holy Spirit proclaiming how blessed Mary is. "Blessed are you," Blessed is the child," Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises through her." Wow! Before even telling her story, with fear, confusion, and worry within her, all disappeared as Elizabeth confirmed the story the angel told Mary. Once those blessings are confirmed, then she sings, "My soul magnifies the Lord!"As we have been moving through the journey of Advent, and I have moved through the marker of age know as fifty, I could not help but feel like Mary approaching Elizabeth. I have answered God's call long ago and wondered if I was missing something, was I crazy or what? Then I came to this new place. I journeyed to a church in Harrisburg. With my friends, family and the new friends I have met here, I have experienced the grace that comes from being a part of the Body of Christ. I cannot imagine, what it is like to struggle at this time of year, without faith, and then add to it turning a milestone age like 50. What I can know is that because of God' prevenient grace, always reaching, always calling us back, I have experienced more grace and love and mercy in my short life than I ever thought possible! All it took was saying yes to God as Mary did and having it confirmed by many who called me blessed. From that moment on, I have tried, not always successfully, to live a life that shows grace, love. I am by no means perfect, just forgiven. I thank God for this journey. And even though, i find myself squinting to read something, or complaining of aches and pains, or I make noises and creak when I get up, I give thanks to God! Rejoice always. Again I say Rejoice. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. May the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jesus, his Son continue to bless us on our journeys no matter what age we are at.
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