Giving Life Away
Posted June 27th, 2007 by Deb Stehlin
On Sunday afternoon, eighteen Light of the World people were part of the Rambling River Days Parade in Farmington. We were entry number 36, far behind the marching band and queen candidates. But I think that what we did together on that hot and sunny day was pretty significant. What we did, as our first public act together as church, was give life away.
OK, we gave away candy and big orange stickers that said, "I AM THE LIGHT," but do you get the connection? We piled a very good four-person band into the back of a shiny, red pick-up and followed behind with a couple of wagons filled with candy and stickers, and then did something very Jesus-like: We gave away all that we had to the people along the way.
Isn't that what Jesus did? If you read the gospels, a lot of the time, it seems like Jesus was on one long parade route on his way to Jerusalem, where he knew he would be killed. And along the way, he gave life away...he healed people...he made outcasts feel like they mattered...he taught about what life would be like if we all lived a God-shaped life. As people who follow Jesus, we are called to do the same. It's not about the destination, it's about how we love people along the way. It's about making sure that there's nothing left when we get to the end of the parade.
We were all pretty hot and thirsty and tired when we got to the end of the parade route in Farmington. But, boy were we happy. And I think I know why. Because Jesus told us that when we lose our life, we actually find it; and when we give it all away, then we are proud owners of something that can't be bought.
I like parades. Can't wait until next year.
Deb
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Giving Life Away
Mark R. Gilligan
Again Pastor Deb, your message is simple and to the point. I look forward to attending your sermons again at God's new community.
Gilligan
Validation to not take LIGHT-ly
MONDAY: Today wrapped up Faith Partners Training at Prince of Peace in Burnsville. I attended on behalf of SOTV, but will be transitioning this program to LOTW. What is Faith Partners Training? Its training involving a joint venture with other Lutheran churches in the south metro to create a unified support environment for faith based addiction education, intervention, support and recovery. I personally have struggled with addiction for most of my life. The validation I received today regarding LOTW goes like this...
I wasn't quite sure why I was committing to attending this partner training, but I have learned to not doubt or fight when God brings me to these things. A couple occasions today, I mentioned to Scott and Randy that I wasn't sure what God had in store for me here, but I was sure he would make it evident in his time. (as he ALWAYS does... in his time and way) It was twenty minutes until class was finished. My phone gently vibrated to let me know there was an email awaiting to be read. It was none other than the email from Deb wondering about a meeting regarding Wednesday night Lights. Hmmmm. Is it safe to conclude that there is someone who will be struggling in the darkness who may need a glimmer of light that I might be able to provide? Coincidence or not, I think it was as validating as the song "Love is the Answer" by Todd Rundgren playing in the background while praying over lunch about the infant future of Light of the World. Anybody else experience validation of this nature?