Motion
As a guest with businessmen on a deep-sea fishing trip my only responsibility was to be there. Others brought the food. A friend's wife had made fabulous chocolate chip cookies. Twenty or so miles out to sea almost every man on board developed motion sickness. While I felt so sorry for them my duty was to stay in back of the boat and keep the fishing lines out. To my blessing none of them cared to eat. All the cookies were mine without protest.
Motion sickness at sea is a terrible thing, I am told. No bragging, but I have never experienced motion sickness, though I am told next time may be the first time.
However, there have been many times in my life as a pastor that I have had to grip the edges of the ship and hang on. More than once I have had to retreat and spend quiet time with the Lord when the motion seemed to be increasing in intensity.
Many will remember the sermon I delivered the first Sunday after 9/11. I used the illustration of a merry-go-round. Properly run it is a charming entertainment. However, suppose the motor speeds up and the brakes quit working. Faster and faster the merry-go-round circles. Who will be flung off first? Who will be the first persons to lose their footing, their hand grip, and be wrested from the once large toy that has now become a threat to life and limb?
There is motion. Only a few weeks ago we said "Goodbye" to Chris and Mae Mae Chappell, who moved away for Chris to enter graduate school. As things have happened Chris will become pastor of Cary Church of God in North Carolina, only a few miles from the graduate school. He will also be continuing his studies.
Last week Danny, the eldest son of our family came to me. "Dad," he said, "I have been asked to become a part of the staff of the Dale City Church of God in Northern Virginia."
A thousand emotions welled within me. We came to Covenant when Danny was age 11. At age 12 he would get up 4 AM on Sundays and feed the wood furnace that helped to curb the church's electric bill. Mowing lawns, cleaning, driving vans and buses, and church facility maintenance filled his teenage years.
His sense of duty and love for the work of the Lord needed no encouragement from his parents. Once when he was age 16 there was a youth event. He wanted to help with work at the church. "Son," I said, "for one time you will be a teenager!" He was unhappy to go and party while there was work to be done. I am not sure that he has ever been a child.
He has directed the choir on numerous occasions, with little or no compensation. He has served as one of our finest Bible teachers and Elders. He is one of my favorite singers!
He came. We talked. We visited every side of the issues involved. We discussed strategy. Sunday was a fine moment of commendation for him by the congregation. He moves on to another phase of life and ministry with blessing.
As I write this letter to you, politicians are criss-crossing the country. Political messages change from day to day. World economies are volatile. Fuel prices are high. There is much to press us to prayer.
Here at Covenant we are switching software programs, dealing with the state highway department, adding a staff member, working with inspectors and engineers, developing a more intense discipleship ministry, preparing to send more than 90 youth and leaders for a spiritual weekend retreat, and other things besides what the Lord knows that we don't.
I am taking my bride and "getting out of Dodge" for a few days. Wish I had some chocolate chip cookies. Maybe a fishing line. Going to see the city limit's sign from the other side. Rest. Pray. Get perspective.
I like motion. Motion suggests progress. Oh, yes, there are times when motion creates circumstances that are uncomfortable. I just remind myself the Church belongs to Jesus. I am the undershepherd. He is the chief Shepherd. Steady. Have another cookie. Trust the Captain.
By the way, when the boat returned to shore every man on board was well. It was interesting to hear them laughing and talking about "Oh, I was not really that sick." I just chuckled to myself and kept on eating those chocolate chip cookies.
Steady now, get a good grip. The merry-go-round may speed up without notice. Be sure you have your anchor in Jesus. Everything is going to be all right!
Excited for what God is doing for His glory,
Pastor Bare
Psalm 121:2,7-8; I Thessalonians 5:21