Lately, my soul feels a little achy. A bit empty and upside down…I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it feels sort of hungry.
It’s rather like a constant series of trips to the drive-through…
…waiting my turn, the savory scent hanging heavy in the air as I inch the car forward, yearning to hear those delectable words….
“Can I take your order?”
I make my selections carefully, putting together salty and sweet, with a combination that will completely satisfy my cravings.
I round the corner, leaning toward deliciousness…the precious treasure bag is handed to me, warm to the touch.
I gobble and slurp, and lick my fingers.
The joy lasts for about an hour…and then I’m hungry all over again.
That fast food is instant gratification, but it doesn’t stick to my ribs.
I’ve been serving in ministry for several years now, and once in a while, I really get discouraged. It seems that more often than not, our human “fleshy-ness” gets in the way. I’ve been surprised–and quite saddened–to discover that ministry, just like every other profession, can be competitive and unfriendly.
We are, all of us, human…so I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. And, if we’re going to identify “imperfect humans in ministry,” I shall go on record with this: I’m the LEAST perfect person you’ll probably ever meet in ministry! I have plenty of shortcomings that make my ministry a very meager, human endeavor, indeed. So, when I say “we,” I mean “me,” too!
It seems, sometimes, that we chase after what’s popular, or “relevant,” rather than what’s
true. We’re sometimes more willing to wade in the shallow pool than dive deep. We like our comfort zones, and we clutch what’s “ours” so tightly that we’re unable to see or think anything new…and we aren’t willing to share with others . Our pride gets in the way. A lot.
It makes me frustrated. Lonely. Hungry.
I need to get out of this drive-through and invite everyone to a pot luck. Will you come? Bring your best “covered dish”…share your secret “recipes,” your ideas and encouragement, your discernment and collaboration and creativity…your compassion and your wisdom. I hope I’ll be able to bring something to the table…something that will nourish you, my ministry friends, and fortify you. I can’t wait to see what you’ll bring, too! I imagine we’ll all start from scratch, with the same basic ingredients, and we’ll each be able to create something unique and necessary and wonderful.
Just imagine how satisfying that feast could be! And, how satisfying This Feast will be.
There’s room for everyone at the table.
Yum.
~Katie
Diving for Pearls 
“It seems, sometimes, that we chase after what’s popular, or “relevant,” rather than what’s
true. We’re sometimes more willing to wade in the shallow pool than dive deep. We like our comfort zones, and we clutch what’s “ours” so tightly that we’re unable to see or think anything new…and we aren’t willing to share with others . Our pride gets in the way. A lot.”
Oh so true Katie!
Going through the Old Testament last year as I wrote Sunday Plus Curriculum brought me to a banquet. Never in my 68 years have I felt the wonder of our Sovereign God as I do now. He has taken me through some tough times in life so I guess I thought when I got to this stage of life I would get to be in retirement from pain, struggle, trauma. The Father’s plan for me was different than my plan and dreams. The past four years have been horrendous – yet we have felt His presence each step of the way. We thought The Father was easing things when we got the news two months ago that Joe has aggressive prostate cancer. The doctors had us scared crazy – The Father was/is with us and they caught it early enough.
As I go through times like this I picture Jesus walking and I grab the hem of his robe and He drags me along as He walks. Sounds weird but it is comforting to me.
Knowing that I serve a Sovereign God and that not one thing happens but that He has a plan and a purpose for it. Wow.
For your potluck I would bring the Sunday Plus lesson on the Beatitudes. They are eight challenges that are amazing when we truly grasp them. They are like steps on a ladder to walking with God. Working on that lesson was amazing as we’ve gone through this cancer scare.
You are awesome Katie! Love your writings
Wanda…I always love your encouragement…it’s so good for my soul! I love the picture you’ve painted for me. Praying for you as you step on this ladder, knowing that every rung is appointed by God Himself. Keep me posted, friend!
Katie, you KNOW I LOVE this post!!! God has already answered your prayers in the heavenlies… Just heard from a gentleman in a Lutheran church-based disability ministry who wants to meet with me on wider collaboration! May God keep us all humble, and from ever loving our work for Him more than we love HIM, because we are just the pencils. He’s the one doing the writing!
Barb…love it! You are one of the sharpest, and most colorful “pencils” God created! Keep me posted on the Lutheran church project…they will be SO blessed by your leadership! 🙂
Is it bad that I’m now craving some salty french fries and a milkshake from my favorite local fast food place? 😉
Please get me a chocolate shake while you’re there, Shannon!