Recently, Nathaniel and I went to the hardware store on a small errand. His face lit up when he found that Christmas had already arrived at Lowe’s. With wide eyes reflecting the twinkling lights of the Christmas displays, he began to name all the things he wanted to find under his own tree. Before he finished, I had to stop and take a very deep breath.
I was not bothered by Nathaniel’s order for Christmas goodies. What else is a child to do? I was overwhelmed by the uncomfortable awareness that two months of my life evaporated by crossing the threshold of the store. It was October, for heaven’s sake! Our culture is relentless in driving us from the present so we find ourselves always setting our attention somewhere down the line. The problem is that “somewhere down the line” is never guaranteed and will never be quite as we imagine it. In light of that, I want to enjoy my October and November before December arrives, thank you very much!
Church life can feel this way sometimes – always planning for the next big event, worrying about dates and times down the line. Of course, there is a place for planning, and maybe even for worrying over our plans. That’s why committees meet and we continuously update our calendar. However, our projects, programs and gatherings are not an end unto themselves. The goal of maintaining a full schedule is not simply to finish everything on our congregational to-do list. In one way or another, my hope is that our plans make space for each of us to experience God at work, to give thanks, to share that experience and grow from it. This is why every Sunday before I enter the pulpit, I stand, pause, wiggle my toes and breathe a quick prayer asking the Holy Spirit to fasten me to the present moment, to remember the holy ground I’m standing on is called “Here and Now.”
Why does this matter? Psalm 90 reminds us: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Teach us to number our days. Take each one in course, and take none for granted! God’s own wisdom is found there, if we have the presence of mind to seek it. Before we charge headlong to Christmas (Advent begins on November 30 this year), there is much we can count in the intervening days as we receive what God offers us day-by-day.
Of particular significance to me are All Saints Day and Thanksgiving. On All Saints Day, November 1, we count the souls whose faithful lives have paved the way for us to follow Jesus and serve God in the world. Make a list of those people whose faithfulness has shown Christ to you, and take time to thank God for them and thank them personally if you’re able. On Thanksgiving, we number the ways the grace of God supplies our needs. Again, take time to list them. The sentiment of that old hymn still holds: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done!”
In addition to these two special days, there is more – much more – at Yates this month. This is a wonderful season to serve, share, sing, and study together. You can be blessed by it all, and be a blessing to our community, too. Above all else, take your time as you walk through these November days. Wisdom for living them well lies within.
Grace and Peace,