The Rector's Column - October 2024

October 1, 2024 3:42 PM

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

There are a whole host of things going through my mind as I contemplate a topic for this month’s column: change, elections, changes in the nave of the church, new ministries and events we’ve been holding (youth, music night), our unborn grandchild, vacation, APNET events, workshops, planning for hosting a conference, planning a trip to Ibba, all the things that get dropped,….. There are so many things going on. Which one of these, and others beyond, is the most important? 

I suppose we could also think about next year’s budget, our upcoming Annual Parish Meeting, and my lagging home maintenance. There are so many important things, each of which is worthy of attention and energy. We find ourselves constantly trying to balance out the urgent things, needful things, the need for rest, things others ask of us, our available finances, time, and energy. 

Some of us find this even more complicated by an incredible ability to be distracted and the gift of procrastination. Sometimes the decisions are removed from us, as something urgent requiring immediate action is imposed upon. These things can focus our attention! 

It is so easy to be overwhelmed by a plethora of options, needs, and concerns. In fact, some become incapacitated by life.  Too often, many of these things are not of our choice or desire, and contribute little or nothing to our wellbeing. I felt a mixture of compassion and humor at my daughter’s remark about the lack of enjoyment in “adulting.” So, what do we do with this reality? 

It’s not as though we can just ignore things and pretend there are no priorities or need to address things. In fact, that makes life worse, not better. 

There is,  though, a way forward. We do not have to be overwhelmed and out of control. However, it is wise to think about who has control. The busyness that assails us is not a coincidence. It is actually a spiritual issue. The busyness is actively trying to overwhelm us so that we turn away from what truly needs priority, what needs to have control, and that gives us confidence. 

When life brings one of those nearly-overwhelming times, it is a signal moment to refocus. Where is your relationship with God? So often, being overwhelmed is accompanied by a drought time in our relationship with God: we’ve not had time to pray, we don’t have the energy to be with other believers, we feel we can’t tithe because our finances are tight, and so on. 

This is the moment to choose. Whatever it feels like, it is possible to take control over life. The reality isn’t in me having control, but in bringing life to God and seeking His order in my life and His grace and direction to go through the “stuff”. Scripture tells us to bring every concern to the Lord because He cares about it and because He is sovereign over all things – even my life (see James 5:13, 1 Peter 5:7, Ephesians 3:18-20, Psalm 139, Romans 8:26-30). 

God not only knows about our needs, He is able to meet them all.  Whatever is going in your life right now, take time to invest in and maintain your relationship with the Lord. God cares about you. Remember that as a Christian, you automatically have a family to support you – we are the church together, and that means we are to care for one another. 

Don’t panic! God is good, and He cares for you.  

The Lord be with you,  +Fraser  

COMING UP: The Grace Chapter DOK will meet at noon on February 18th; Men's Bible Study group meets Saturday, February 22nd at 8:30AM
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