What I have learned

August 2011 was a difficult month for me; it held a lot of good-byes and an ever increasing silence. In addition to bringing closure to my camp career, we moved our oldest son, daughter-in-law and grandson to South Carolina, and our youngest daughter and son-in-law to Indiana.

One year ago today I was facing the last four days of my almost eleven years at Camp Luz. I had worked diligently to leave behind a comprehensive notebook of information that I had downloaded from my brain. I had tried to organize all areas of the camp that were storage spaces so that needed items could be found easily. I had educated the new bookkeeper and the new director as much as I was able. I had verbalized my farewells. My last four days at camp were actually spent helping to fall clean the buildings. It was therapeutic activity.

September 1, 2011. I woke up and my first thought was, “I have nothing I have to do. No one needs me.” For about two weeks I vegetated and grieved the inactivity and silence. Then I made a list of all the half-finished projects that I had set aside over the years, and got to work. When those were completed I thoroughly cleaned my house and reorganized the spaces. I took up some new fun (Pinterest) projects.

And I waited for God to reveal what He had up His celestial sleeve.

Between October ’11 and August ‘12 I worked at Lehman’s in the warehouse with some delightful people. Since June I’ve been working part-time as a Hospice Chaplain with some more delightful people.

And when I wake up exactly one year later on September 1, 2012 I will begin my new career, that for which God called and equipped me; as the part-time interim pastor at Beaverdam Mennonite Church, Corry, PA; with, you guessed it, even more delightful people most of whom I have yet to meet!

It’s been an interesting and challenging year.

Exodus 14:10-14

The escaping Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the approaching Egyptian army, led by an infuriated Pharaoh. The Israelites cried out in terror. “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’”

Psalm 46:10

The psalmist describes cataclysmic events of both earth and nations. Yet at the epicenter God says, “Be still, and know that I am God”

Ephesians 6:10-18

Paul encourages believers to find their strength in God’s power, to put on their armor for a spiritual battle, to stand still, and then…. “pray in the Spirit.”

Do you see what these verses have in common?

In the midst of approaching devastation: Be still and watch God.

In the midst of apparent catastrophe: Be still and know God.

In the midst of spiritual battle: Stand still and pray.

This last year contained a lesson for me in holy stillness. It was not easy and I did my fair share of complaining; but God kept whispering, “I want you to rest in Me.” I was not physically inactive, but my soul rested, trusted in God’s strength, and waited for His timing.

 

I pray that, no matter what you are facing today or in the coming days, you will hear God's gentle whisper calling you to holy stillness...it is the place of Love.