Summer Preparations

Today is the first official day of summer.  Ask any school-age child when summer begins and they will probably tell you that summer begins one second after the final bell rings on the last day of school.  Greater freedom often accompanies our celebrations of summer...schedules are often a bit more flexible, warmer temperatures allow for more outdoor activities, and of course, family travel. 

 

Where will your travels take you this summer?  Some will travel to see family, some will take their annual trek to the beach, some are already traveling internationally, while others will remain closer to home, enjoying what has come to be known as the "staycation".  Cindy will travel to Indiana in July to celebrate her mom's 95th birthday, we'll take Clayton back to Lexington, Ky. in August, then Cindy and I will get away for a few days before school starts.  Vacations can be a wonderful respite from the routines of our daily lives, allowing time for renewal and refreshment.

 

Most of us will make specific preparations for time away from home, not only in the arrangements for getting to our destination, but also for what we leave behind.  What preparations might you make with your church family before you depart?  If you're a Sunday School teacher or leader in any ministry, make sure someone who relates to your area of responsibility knows you will be gone and that you have taken care of securing your replacement if that's appropriate.  Send your tithes and offerings by mail or electronic bank transfer so that you can honor your commitments and help your church do the same.  Check the Westwood World, Westwood Express, or Sunday bulletin to know what's happening in case you want to plan your travel around upcoming events. Finally, when you are in town, don't miss a summer Sunday!  You make a difference when you gather with others to worship the living God.  If you have company visiting from out of town, bring them along with you.  Westwood is a welcoming community of believers who are strengthened by guests among us...guests who will also be blessed by sharing worship with our church family.  Dress comfortably and come expectantly...the presence of God is not a seasonal blessing.

 

This Sunday our handbell choir will be sharing special music.  We are always blessed when they share in worship.  I will be preaching from  Galatians 3:23-29, focusing on the blessing of freedom in Christ, freedom that empowers us to live and serve in ways we could never achieve on our own.  Our Passportkids campers will share a report about their experiences in Eagle Eyrie. 

 

I am already aware that some of our folks will be gone this Sunday on vacation.  Let us pray for them as they travel and let the rest of us be in our places this Sunday. In doing so, you will be a blessing to others as you join them in study of God's word and worship, and most importantly, God will be honored by your presence.  I look forward to seeing you on this first Sunday of summer!

 

Jim Abernathy

Last Words

Last words...we place a great deal of emphasis on last words.  There's even a familiar colloquialism that accompanies our reflections on things said, though it is often used as cynical reaction to something another person has said, either in boasting or overstating their opinion...famous last words.  I have heard those words on occasion in response to something I have said, and my guess is that many of you have as well. 

 

Closing words and thoughts are often summative which is one reason we pay such close attention to them. In the courtroom, last words define the case for the defense or prosecution and often impact the verdict of guilt or innocence.  Coming to the close of an engrossing novel, the last words on the page leave the reader to imagine next steps yet unwritten. At the end of the day, last words shared between parent and child may offer security for the soon coming darkness, assurance of nearby presence if needed, and reinforcement of love that empowers rest and peace. And as one comes to the close of life's journey, sometimes those words leave reminders of the power and influence of human relationship.

 

As Father's Day approaches, I remember my dad's last words to me and mine to him.  Cindy, Clayton and I had been in Northern Virginia about three weeks in September, 2001.  Still without a house of our own, we were living in the confines of grace and welcome in the home of Bob and Pat Nelson.  Their kindness and hospitality were a gift of blessing in that time of transition.  On the night of September 20th, I called my mom and dad from the basement of the Nelson's to check in and to invite them to participate in my installation as senior pastor at Westwood later in the month of October. They were excited about the opportunity to travel and see our new church and hopefully our new home.  In the last moments of that conversation, Clayton was on another extension and he, my dad, and I were drawing to a close a conversation that had highlighted so many new things in all our lives.  The last words from my dad in that moment were familiar, yet summative, not only for the close of a phone conversation, but for the life we had shared together.  "I love you, Clayton," he said.  "I love you too," Clayton responded.  Then he said, "I love you, Jim," and I responded, "I love you too."  Three hours later, the call came from my mom that my father had died suddenly. Since that day, I have cherished those last words shared, yes because of their proximity to his death, but more because of how they defined his life and our relationship.

 

Now, every conversation will obviously not conclude with words of love and appreciation. Yet, I would argue that the way you conclude a conversation with anyone you care deeply about has an impact, either as a point of reference for future conversation, or as a gateway to remembrance.  As Father's Day approaches, I am grateful for those last words shared with my father nearly twelve years ago. I still hear his voice from time to time, remember his laughter, and ponder the blessing of loving and being loved by him. 

 

Famous last words? Yes, thank God.

 

Jim Abernathy

Simple Things that Make Such a Difference

You may not have known this, but today is National Donut Day.  I realize this may come as a shock to some of you who may be surprised that so significant an observance is relatively unknown to most.  Is this just another excuse to give in to those delicious, round, sweet treats?  Well...yes, but there is more to the story.  It seems that National Donut Day is annually observed in this country on the first Friday in June and was founded not on the ravenous appetites of hungry, overweight Americans, but rather in the context of service.  The Salvation Army is credited with initiating this observance in 1938 to honor women who served in an auxiliary function during World War I, establishing in this country, and in France, what came to be known as Salvation Army Huts.    These huts became respites for soldiers who could find there a warm welcome, conversations of home, and those delicious donuts.  As you might imagine, these huts became quite popular.  Ensign Margaret Sheldon, who is credited with coming up with the idea, spoke of the popularity of the program, writing of one busy day, "Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee."  Sounds like a good day at Krispy Kreme! 

 

 

The above cartoon from the publication "War Cry," shows one of the donut girls, or "Donut Dollies" as they came to be known, cheerfully offering a treasure of culinary delight! To young soldiers, far away from home, some in very dangerous places, a kind word and a delicious donut made a big difference.

 

Stories like this remind us of the significance of little things.  Now some might argue whether or not a delectable donut is indeed a little thing, but sometimes the everyday elements of life that become so routine can suddenly become so meaningful.  Perhaps today there is a word of encouragement, a cup of cold water, yes, even a cream-filled donut that you can offer to someone that will brighten their day, ease their burden, or crack open a hard shell of resistance that has become a barrier. As followers of Christ, we are called to make the most of these opportunities for in doing so, in serving others, we are truly serving Christ.  National Donut Day is another reminder of the simple things we can do that make such a difference. 

 

Well, I must bring this edition to a close...there's an errand I must run, a pick-up that must be made...a solemn observance in doing my part to honor those who so faithfully served.  Let's see, I think I can just make it to Krispy Kreme before my next appointment.

 

Jim Abernathy

Expressing Appreciation

How does one appropriately express appreciation for something that cannot be repaid?  Our living responses to this question are often awkward attempts to do what cannot be done.  This weekend reminds us of the significance of sacrifice and its power to change our lives as individuals and a larger community.  Giving thanks for those gone before who have given selflessly for something beyond themselves presents us with this difficult question.  Memorial Day weekend is more than simply the beginning of summer with its picnics, parades, and fireworks.  Memorial Day compels us to confront the gift that so many have given in service to their country.  That debt cannot be repaid.  Living in the shadow of that debt, however, challenges us to live as grateful people who acknowledge such sacrifice in the way we live as citizens of this nation. Living in the powerful presence of the stories and examples of sacrifice we will observe this weekend will present us once again with the reminder of a debt that cannot ever be truly repaid, but can and must ever be revered and remembered.  We have been blessed by those gone before...let us live mindful of such blessing.

 

Give thanks to God, the One whose sacrifice in the offering of His Son, Jesus, the Christ, is truly the greatest gift that can never be repaid.

 

Jim Abernathy

Think Before You Speak

It's funny sometimes how your words came back to haunt you.  Amidst the coughing and sneezing in our April vision council meeting as various members spoke of their allergy woes, I countered, quite cheerfully as I recall, that though I used to have allergy problems, I hadn't been bothered by them in several years.  Perhaps I was too smug in my assessment and needed a lesson in humility; maybe I needed a reminder about being more sensitive to the needs of others, or maybe this is just one of the worst allergy seasons in a long while and it has finally caught up to me.  I have wished several times over the last few weeks that I had just kept my mouth shut and suffered along with the rest of the bleary eyed, sniffling masses.

 

Most, if not all of us, have said things we have regretted.  In the heat of emotion...in the rush of our busy lives...in social or workplace settings where we feel pressured to contribute, we sometimes speak, yet wish we hadn't.  Words have a power all their own and once said, are indeed difficult to reclaim.  Perhaps we would be well served to remember that in every setting our words are first and foremost gifts to God. We think often of the Psalmist's words in the context of praise and worship, and yet, I think they speak clearly to every word that comes from our mouths.  "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 NRSV)  Many of us memorized the Psalmist's words years ago, but live at times as if we have forgotten them.  Ours is most likely not a problem of forgetfulness, but rather, application.  Scripture means little if we do not apply its truths to our daily lives. 

 

Think before you speak? Absolutely, but more than that, think of what God would have you say before you speak.  For most of us, there would be a lot less mess to clean up!

 

I must bring this edition to a close, my box of Kleenex needs to be replenished.  I hope to see you Sunday!

 

Jim Abernathy

Connections and Kingdom Living

Yesterday was a study in contrast of the folks I minister with and to in our Westwood family.  The morning began in the office with various conversations and meetings with ministry staff and volunteers. We are very blessed by the people who serve our community of faith.  I ended the morning with our Mother's Day Out children as we sang together in preparation for their MDO end of year program.  What a fun group!  The smiles on their faces and the energy in their steps made me smile and thank God for the treasure they are.  From there I went to Clarendon for a faculty meeting at The Leland Center where we approved the graduation list for one of the largest graduating classes in the school's history and heard of new degree and certificate programs that will open theological study to more folks in our region.  I left there and headed to the www.go Ladies Tea.  Much time and effort went into preparing for this special event and it was obvious that it was a labor of love on the part of those who put it together.  I was grateful to be welcomed in such wonderful company and to sit with women whose stories of family and life enriched my day.  With apologies for arriving late and then leaving early, I made my way to the track beside Irving Middle School where one of our Keene Mill Elementary School students was participating in a school sponsored twelve-lap run. I was invited to come and cheer her on.  Together with her family and a variety of other supporters who had come from around the community, we cheered her and other runners as they made their way around the track.  I jumped in the car, made my way quickly home to pick up Cindy and Clayton and we headed off to meet friends for dinner.  It was a full day indeed!

 

I offer this glimpse of yesterday's events as reminder of the varied and wonderful connections we share through our Westwood family.   Young, old, in the church building and in the community, one on one and interacting with a group, there are so many opportunities to celebrate Christ at work in the world all around us.  I can't say that every day is quite so full or varied, but I can say that every day has its opportunities.  We must make the most of them.  So, what's on your agenda for today?  How is the weekend shaping up for you?  Busyness doesn't insure purposeful living, but looking for opportunities to serve and celebrate the moments of life is vital to Kingdom living. 

 

It's a beautiful day, the opportunities are before us all to enjoy this day and make a difference in the name of Christ.  Let's do it!  Let's celebrate this day!

 

Jim Abernathy

Make the Most of Every Moment

We have just returned from moving Clayton back home from the University of Kentucky after completing his freshman year of studies there.  The experience prompted a number of conversations over the last few days from how he did on his finals, to the poor performance of his beloved Wildcats in basketball this year, to what was, in my estimation, the most important conversation of all..."you're not going to live on the eighth floor again next year, are you?" (This I asked after descending and ascending eight flights of steps with all the stuff he had accumulated during the year when every elevator in the building was filled with other parents and students moving out!)  The one recurring conversation, other than my aching back, was how quickly we all thought this first year had gone.  We reminisced, as if it were yesterday, that we were ascending and descending those same steps and hugging good-bye last August. 

Most parents live in this rapidly moving time warp where life passes quickly and children seem to grow in an instant. In the Broadway musical "Fiddler on the Roof," the main character, Tevye, laments this passing of time as he contemplates his daughter's marriage with the powerful song “Sunrise, Sunset.”  In the song, his wife Golde bemoans, “I don’t remember growing older. When did they?”   Writing of the brevity of life in Psalm 39, the Psalmist says, "Everyone’s life is only a breath. People are like shadows moving about."

Yes, these last days have served to remind me of how quickly the days, months, and years pass by.  I suppose one could lament such brevity, but that simply wastes more of the precious moments that we share.  No, the key is to make the most of every moment, celebrating every milestone, honoring every achievement, giving thanks to God for every breath...every shadow.

Breathe deeply today and take in all that God has for you.  Yes, time passes quickly.  As Tevye sings, "Sunrise, sunset, swiftly fly the years, one season following another, laden with happiness, and tears."  In everything, give thanks. Amen.

Jim Abernathy