Life Passages
Yesterday I presided at a wedding. I'm not sure how many I've done in 19 years of ministry. At last count, it was over 80. I have to admit, leading up to every wedding I find myself thinking "Here we go again. These are such a pain in the butt because they take so much time." But every time, when it comes to the wedding itself I find myself becoming overwhelmed with emotion and love and the power of that whole event. I watch as a groom sees his beautiful bride enter the church, and it always amazes me over when he gets weepy. Yes, grooms are often more weepy than the brides. Yesterday was no exception. Paula was gorgeous. Ben was obviously totally head over heels in love. Everyone was filled with joy. And yes, I was absolutely humbled by the privilege that comes with this position of pastor - it is a privilege to be a part of these life passages.
After the ceremony, Don (who has witnessed many of these events where I've presided) told me that I "really shine" when it comes to weddings and funerals. I know he meant "shine" as in "excel." But I prefer to think of it as shining with the light of love and life. I've been thinking about that whole "shining" concept, especially in connection with weddings and funerals.
I'd have to say there are 2 key reasons I may "shine" at them. One, I genuinely love these people. I really do. I love being honored to be part of their lives. And two, I genuinely love life - with all of the passages that we experience. Those experiences are really what give me inspiration in ministry.
Holding a newborn baby, less than a day old - what can possibly be more humbling and awesome than that? Baptizing that same baby weeks later, and knowing that a whole life journey is waiting to unfold. Repeating the same words of blessing as I lay my hands on the heads of teenagers reaffirming their baptism in the service of confirmation. They may or may not mean the words they speak - sometimes I wonder if they really understand the power of that faith. But no matter. The Holy Spirit is at work, and I feel that power in that moment.
Weddings, more births, baptisms yet to come. They all mark significant times of joy. They all overwhelm me. But none more so than the life passage of death and dying. It may sound strange to say, but I feel even more in awe of this pastoral privilege when I accompany someone in their dying. When I am with someone who has come to a place of faith and acceptance in this journey, words cannot express the depth of love that I feel in that time. One of the deepest, most faith-filled conversations I've ever had took place at a hospital with Jim, who spoke profoundly of his faith, his family, his love and his life - and the gratitude he felt for all of them. I could write endlessly about some of those experiences. They help to drive and inspire my faith. They are the heart of my ministry... literally. They fill my heart and give me hope. Which is why I pour my heart into funerals. This is the ultimate life passage from this life to a new one that I can only imagine.
Weddings and funerals may be exhausting. But they also enrich my life. They are a privilege, an honor, a joy - even in the hardest of times.
After the ceremony, Don (who has witnessed many of these events where I've presided) told me that I "really shine" when it comes to weddings and funerals. I know he meant "shine" as in "excel." But I prefer to think of it as shining with the light of love and life. I've been thinking about that whole "shining" concept, especially in connection with weddings and funerals.
I'd have to say there are 2 key reasons I may "shine" at them. One, I genuinely love these people. I really do. I love being honored to be part of their lives. And two, I genuinely love life - with all of the passages that we experience. Those experiences are really what give me inspiration in ministry.
Holding a newborn baby, less than a day old - what can possibly be more humbling and awesome than that? Baptizing that same baby weeks later, and knowing that a whole life journey is waiting to unfold. Repeating the same words of blessing as I lay my hands on the heads of teenagers reaffirming their baptism in the service of confirmation. They may or may not mean the words they speak - sometimes I wonder if they really understand the power of that faith. But no matter. The Holy Spirit is at work, and I feel that power in that moment.
Weddings, more births, baptisms yet to come. They all mark significant times of joy. They all overwhelm me. But none more so than the life passage of death and dying. It may sound strange to say, but I feel even more in awe of this pastoral privilege when I accompany someone in their dying. When I am with someone who has come to a place of faith and acceptance in this journey, words cannot express the depth of love that I feel in that time. One of the deepest, most faith-filled conversations I've ever had took place at a hospital with Jim, who spoke profoundly of his faith, his family, his love and his life - and the gratitude he felt for all of them. I could write endlessly about some of those experiences. They help to drive and inspire my faith. They are the heart of my ministry... literally. They fill my heart and give me hope. Which is why I pour my heart into funerals. This is the ultimate life passage from this life to a new one that I can only imagine.
Weddings and funerals may be exhausting. But they also enrich my life. They are a privilege, an honor, a joy - even in the hardest of times.
posted by Kris at 4/03/2011 07:56:00 PM
1 comments
