Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Me, It Should Be All About Me, But It's Not

29 years ago, I was ordained as a minister of the Word and Sacraments in a small university town north of here. I made my vows in front of my parents and new congregation. I had no clue how to be a minister but, as far as I was able to determine, God called me to this work. I had images in my mind, all male, of how to be a minister but none quite fit for a skinny, mid-twenties, eager as could be, green gal.

I wanted to celebrate this milestone yesterday but family life intruded. I had no plans but felt I'd spend a few minutes thanking God for my calling and reflect on my years as a pastor. No. Such. Luck.

It's just as well I didn't because ministry isn't about me, ministry is about God.
So, I prayed, as usual, for a full measure of God's grace, to handle the family issues.

More and more, I'm convinced that the Christian life is about trusting God. Nothing new in this thought but I'm not one who trusts easily. My daily discipline is to trust God.

Thankful for my calling, even after all these years,

St. Casserole

15 comments:

Jules said...

I'm very thankful for your calling, and for you.

((((St C))))

((((Casserole family))))

Mary Beth said...

What Cheese said. You rock my world every day.

Happy Anniversary of your ordination!

Jody Harrington said...

Happy ordination anniversary to you,
Happy ordination anniversary to you,
Happy ordination anniversary dearest St. Cassie,
Happy ordination anniversary TO YOU!

(and many more...)

Princess of Everything (and then some) said...

You are just so awesome. Your people must be so blessed by you.

The Simpleton said...

Lovely.

Thank you for answering that call, and for continuing to pursue that most difficult of disciplines. We in your blog presence are grateful--to you and to God.

Sue said...

You are a blessing indeed. I celebrate your years in ministry and your response to God's call. Praise be!

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

what a good reminder... You have a great daily discipline going there in that case... for all of us it should be less of us & more of Jesus. (In spite of Toby Keith singin' "I wanna talka bout me, me me...) hee hee

PPB said...

happy anniversary to the church! (they're the lucky ones)

zorra said...

I can't begin to imagine how many people have been blessed by your ministry in those 29 years. Congratulations and many more.

Unknown said...

I'm grateful to God for you and your ministry.

Lori said...

Happy Anniversary!

Your faithfulness, grace and humor have blessed me as well.

Kathryn said...

We too are blessed by your calling. Many happy returns of a special day...and I'm with you 100% on the struggles with trust thing!
Hugs xxx

Rev SS said...

Wow. 29 years. Congratulations. Here's to many more years of blessing and being blessed in ministry with God's people.

Karla MG said...

Kudos to you for listening to that call and answering. You're a blessing to so many, St. C! Hugs and prayers to you and your family as you continue to trust God!

Diane M. Roth said...

You're right, it's about God, but STILL, wouldn't it have been nice? 29 years! that is something to celebrate.

I bet God celebrates.