Hi everyone,
So… I’m full. We just finish our annual Lunar Year Luncheon with the congregation, and it is always a great time of food and friendship. One of the topics that came up around our table was the whole thing about kids playing on phones, tablets, and screens in general (we were talking about it because my kids were playing on their phones and tablets and screens in general). As we were talking, I was reminded of how I needed to be an example for my kids, in that if I wanted them to limit their screen time, then I would have to do the same.
It makes sense, though. I mean, they’re not going to learn discipline on their own. They need to be given the tools somehow that would help them make good decisions and do the right things.
However, I understand how it is hard for them right now to be more disciplined and be moderate in their screen time. Mostly because it is hard for me, those technology things are pretty awesome, you know.
Here are the readings for next week:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
Here we have call story after call story. And we’ve heard stories like these before, and they’re used often to nudge us down a certain path of service and action. And, almost as often as they’re used to strengthen the call I believe we all have, those calls are also ignored.
And I get it. It’s hard to see ourselves as God’s servants. It’s hard to think of ourselves and ministers of the gospel. It’s really hard to put down whatever it is that we’re doing (probably a screen), and go and do what we feel God might be calling us to do.
I think it’s hard because we aren’t reminded enough of how we actually have an example before us. We have a leader who leads, a guide who guides, and a Saviour who saves. We are given tools for the task, and above all, we are not left alone in it.
I admit that I had a hard time accepting my call to be a pastor (I think most pastors do). But when I realised that I wasn’t just called to do what I do, but I was essentially made to do it, then it became much easier to accept it (even though I might always question it).
The point is, we are all called to something. We are all meant to be someone. We are all gifted with gifts to do what we do, and only we can do it. “There is no one you-er than you” (quote by Dr. Seuss that was in my sermon last week).
You are all worthy. You are all talented. And all of your contributions are valuable and greatly appreciated. Thanks be to God.
Have a great week everyone!