Cindy and I attended a concert at Ft. Myer last night. We have attended a
number of functions there over the years from concerts, to funerals, to
receptions. Driving onto the grounds, my memories were stirred by thoughts of
previous trips, particularly as I looked over the walls to see the seemingly
endless rows of headstones in the adjacent Arlington National Cemetery. We
parked near the Old Chapel, where again, I have officiated at several funeral
services, then walked or driven through the gate behind the horse-drawn carriage
conveying the casket to the gravesite. My purpose in being on the grounds of
that old fort last night was for entertainment, but I could not escape the
solemn history and significance of that hallowed ground.
My experience
last night was not necessarily uncommon, for often we find ourselves focused for
a particular purpose, only to be distracted by something more significant. The
concert was great, but as I drove away last night, my thoughts were less on the
music and more on the sacrificial service of others.
In some respects,
that is the story of our lives, or at least a significant chapter along the
way. One thing leads to another, and another, and another, and... We go in a
particular direction, only to find a detour, sometimes of our choosing, and
sometimes, chosen for us. I believe that God is at work in these detours, not
necessarily causing them, but working in the midst of them. The prophet Isaiah
encourages an often rebellious people to recognize God's hand at work in the
experiences of life as he writes in Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the
left, your ears will hear a voice
behind you, saying, “This is the way;
walk in it." I can't say that I have heard an audible voice in these
moments, but I can say that there certainly have been times when I have
identified God's guiding hand in these detours. The key seems to be a
willingness to listen, to be aware of God's presence...to be open at the
juxtaposition of life's signposts and allow the Spirit to lead.
Speaking of unexpected detours, Max inadvertently sent my notes before I
finished them as he jumped into my lap, accidentally hitting "send" before I
completed the message. He sends his apologies and in doing so reminds us all
that even in the smallest of details, there is often the unexpected. Whatever
changes, distractions, or surprises await you today, trust God to be at work. I
hope to see you Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Friday, June 24, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
The Murky Waters of Human Confusion
I
am often asked to help navigate the murky waters of human confusion. When
questions of "why" and "how" are found in the same sentence with the Almighty, I
rarely offer an answer that is completely satisfying, either to the one who
inquires, or to myself. There is obviously something empowering in the
confidence of an indisputable answer, but the complexity of our modern world,
and the relationship we share by faith with the Creator God, often positions us
in a place of mystery. This doesn't imply that truth is negotiable nor does it
ultimately threaten faith. The writer of the book of Hebrews defines faith as,
"...the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don't see." (Hebrews
11:1, CEB) That's not exactly the irrefutable endorsement for the certainty we
crave, that black and white answer that sets everything in its proper place...or
is it?
Perhaps one by-product of the ever-changing landscape of human experience for the maturing Christian is the realization that finding answers may not be the greatest quest of this life's journey. Such a statement should not be seen as anti-intellectual or resignedly fatalistic. Wisdom, maturity, and persistence in personal and corporate learning are laudable traits in scripture, bestowed by the Creator. Questions stirred by frustration, wonder, or confusion are therefore sparks that enable conversation that move us along this pathway of faith. Embracing the incarnate love of God at work in Jesus, the Christ, whose death and resurrection are the centerpiece of that "reality...we hope for," mentioned in Hebrews 11:1, allows us to wander through difficult questions that are ever before us.
Closely associated with the questions of "why" and "how" is the question of, "where," as in, "Where was God during...9/11, or the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, or Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, or the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, or when my father or mother or child, or grandchild died?" Perhaps the "where" is as important as the "why" or "how." Here again is the assurance of what we do not see. The record of scripture is replete with assurances of God's presence, often in the midst of uncertainty. The promise of Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," is echoed in the words of God in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The promise then is not deliverance from every heartache or threat, but presence in the midst of heartache and threat, God's presence.
I readily admit the challenge presented us in the great mysteries of faith. The questions of "why," "how," and "where" are legitimate in the context of our human stories. They cannot be easily explained or simply brushed over with the shallow axioms of religious-speak. But hope, the reality of the unseen, the example of God's love in the incarnation of Christ, and the promised presence of God empower next step living, even in the murky waters of human confusion. For today, that is enough.
I look forward to sharing together with you in worship this Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Perhaps one by-product of the ever-changing landscape of human experience for the maturing Christian is the realization that finding answers may not be the greatest quest of this life's journey. Such a statement should not be seen as anti-intellectual or resignedly fatalistic. Wisdom, maturity, and persistence in personal and corporate learning are laudable traits in scripture, bestowed by the Creator. Questions stirred by frustration, wonder, or confusion are therefore sparks that enable conversation that move us along this pathway of faith. Embracing the incarnate love of God at work in Jesus, the Christ, whose death and resurrection are the centerpiece of that "reality...we hope for," mentioned in Hebrews 11:1, allows us to wander through difficult questions that are ever before us.
Closely associated with the questions of "why" and "how" is the question of, "where," as in, "Where was God during...9/11, or the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, or Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, or the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, or when my father or mother or child, or grandchild died?" Perhaps the "where" is as important as the "why" or "how." Here again is the assurance of what we do not see. The record of scripture is replete with assurances of God's presence, often in the midst of uncertainty. The promise of Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," is echoed in the words of God in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The promise then is not deliverance from every heartache or threat, but presence in the midst of heartache and threat, God's presence.
I readily admit the challenge presented us in the great mysteries of faith. The questions of "why," "how," and "where" are legitimate in the context of our human stories. They cannot be easily explained or simply brushed over with the shallow axioms of religious-speak. But hope, the reality of the unseen, the example of God's love in the incarnation of Christ, and the promised presence of God empower next step living, even in the murky waters of human confusion. For today, that is enough.
I look forward to sharing together with you in worship this Sunday.
Jim Abernathy
Thursday, June 9, 2016
"Where Have You Been, Young Man?"
"Where have you been, young man?" she said. "We've been waiting for you a long
time." No, this wasn't the exasperated tone of a mother upset because her child
was late for dinner again, nor was it the impatient complaint of a teacher,
standing in the hallway just outside the bathroom waiting for rowdy boys to join
the rest of the class. This was the voice of a delivery nurse wrapping our
newborn son, Clayton, in a blanket moments after his birth. She knew our story
of delayed hopes and set-aside dreams in trying to have a child. Most couples
don't wait thirteen years to have a baby after marriage, but our journey was a
bit different. We had wanted a child for some time, had worked with specialists
for several years, and struggled through the heartbreaking loss of a child a few
years before, so by the time he arrived, just after 2 p.m. on June 9, 1994, it
seemed to anxious parents, and one labor and delivery nurse, that he was long
overdue.
Though we had been waiting a long time to be parents, Clayton actually arrived on his due date, a fact that Cindy takes pride in since being on time is a character trait she reveres. From that moment on, however, our lives changed. Now, twenty-two years later, through ups and downs, accomplishments and struggles, it all seems as if it happened just yesterday...the long years of waiting have given way to the blur of quickly passing years. We were warned about such things. We smiled and quietly scoffed at those "veteran" parents and grandparents who warned us to enjoy every moment because each day and month and year would rapidly accelerate, leaving us wondering how we, and he, could change so quickly. From blankets and a bassinette, to toy trains and a basketball, to a university diploma and now a job in a distant city, I cant figure out where these 8,036 days have gone. I do know that in those nearly 193,000 hours, the blessings have far outweighed the challenges and I find myself humbly acknowledging my unworthiness to have shared in such a gift. The time, but so much more so, the relationship, has taught me great lessons of life I may not have learned any other way. Yet again, a role I was called to embrace and bring blessing to, has embraced and brought blessing to me. Isn't it funny how life often seems to work that way...anticipation gives way to reality, and calling gives way to blessing.
And so, pardon me if my mind returns today across twenty-two years of memories to the words of a young woman I'd never met before that June afternoon. "Where have you been young man? We've been waiting for you a long time." Yes, we had been...now, we still are...with great appreciation for what has been and great anticipation for what will yet be. Happy birthday, Clayton! Thanks be to God!
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
Though we had been waiting a long time to be parents, Clayton actually arrived on his due date, a fact that Cindy takes pride in since being on time is a character trait she reveres. From that moment on, however, our lives changed. Now, twenty-two years later, through ups and downs, accomplishments and struggles, it all seems as if it happened just yesterday...the long years of waiting have given way to the blur of quickly passing years. We were warned about such things. We smiled and quietly scoffed at those "veteran" parents and grandparents who warned us to enjoy every moment because each day and month and year would rapidly accelerate, leaving us wondering how we, and he, could change so quickly. From blankets and a bassinette, to toy trains and a basketball, to a university diploma and now a job in a distant city, I cant figure out where these 8,036 days have gone. I do know that in those nearly 193,000 hours, the blessings have far outweighed the challenges and I find myself humbly acknowledging my unworthiness to have shared in such a gift. The time, but so much more so, the relationship, has taught me great lessons of life I may not have learned any other way. Yet again, a role I was called to embrace and bring blessing to, has embraced and brought blessing to me. Isn't it funny how life often seems to work that way...anticipation gives way to reality, and calling gives way to blessing.
And so, pardon me if my mind returns today across twenty-two years of memories to the words of a young woman I'd never met before that June afternoon. "Where have you been young man? We've been waiting for you a long time." Yes, we had been...now, we still are...with great appreciation for what has been and great anticipation for what will yet be. Happy birthday, Clayton! Thanks be to God!
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
Friday, June 3, 2016
Ministry Fair
Last year, a study group looking at the structure of Westwood recommended
that we participate in a ministry fair to highlight the various ministries of
Westwood. The purpose was two-fold, to focus attention on the many and varied
ways we minister to church and community, and to make folks aware of particular
opportunities of service they might want to be involved in. Becca Larson, and a
team appointed by the Visioning Council, has led our efforts in preparation for
this event to occur this Sunday morning. We will begin with coffee, doughnuts,
and fellowship in the narthex at 9:30, then move to the sanctuary at 9:50 where
I will share a few words about our shared commitment to service and ministry in
Jesus' name, then move to Whitten Hall at 10 to walk among the various ministry
displays. The ministry fair will take the place of adult and youth Sunday School
for this week and provide an opportunity for us to consider together the way we
minister and the opportunities before us to serve and share as part of the
Westwood family. Preschool and children's Sunday School will be held at its
regular place and time. Please join us for this time of fellowship and ministry
as we celebrate God's hand at work in the many and varied ministry opportunities
at Westwood.
In addition to the Ministry Fair this Sunday, the handbells will be playing in worship, we will observe communion, and I will bring a message based on Galatians 1:11-24, entitled, "Because of Me." I look forward to sharing with you in the ministry fair and the worship of our Lord.
Jim Abernathy
In addition to the Ministry Fair this Sunday, the handbells will be playing in worship, we will observe communion, and I will bring a message based on Galatians 1:11-24, entitled, "Because of Me." I look forward to sharing with you in the ministry fair and the worship of our Lord.
Jim Abernathy
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