“Snow day!” was the cry heard from many a child in the winter. The celebration that there wouldn’t be school (especially for us flatlanders in Virginia) for at least one day and that we wouldn’t be bound to our books. As an adult, snow days bring mixed emotions, productive me likes to be at work while reflective me likes pondering reminders of God in the disruption caused by the snow.
Strange things during the snow this week: I found that there is a raccoon that frequents my backyard and likely lives in the neighbor’s “penthouse accommodations.” I bumped into a person who was looking for a snow shovel because they were trying to earn money shoveling snow, and St. Mark’s became one of the few places that employed her to shovel (and she did a good job). Finally, for now, I found a small fox hanging out in the backyard that dove into the bushes when it saw me try to take a picture.
I have been reminded this week that I have an atypical (from the productivity standpoint) profession. As a minister of Word and Sacrament my principal tasks are nebulous, at best, to be a calming influence for all (both the disappointed and the elated), to find and help others find God and Jesus in others and in things that happen, and to be alert for the next opportunity to “comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” But it is important for all of us to remember, that’s not just my mission but our mission.
The gifts we have, as believers and followers of God, are not always obvious and are frequently downplayed by society because they are unproductive (however you measure that). We are reminded that we are at our best when we find ways to bridge the gap in differences and build a community where all are welcome, where we can withstand challenges to “how” we believe, not what and in whom we believe.
Hopefully this week you remember that God’s plans bring solace in the storms and disruptions of life. God’s plans help us find peace and rest when our lives are pressed and challenged. Our first step in finding peace is to take a breath and look for the hints of God’s presence. Because we know that God is always present for us, if we only look.
Fr. Les+
