Life on the Pasture

I am very privileged to serve a congregation that also has a school ministry. Besides doing my “pastor” things, I get to teach religion and world history to our 7th and 8th graders. Today was “Schoolwork Pickup Day #2” as we continue online education. Our Principal, Mrs. Wolff, and I provided curbside service to the parents who came to retrieve the packets our very dedicated teachers had lovingly prepared for the next few weeks of this most unusual trimester. It was so good to see the parents and some of the kids. It was also good to hear that everyone missed being at school and was looking forward to returning.

Which led my thoughts to what will be different when everyone does return. Will I resume giving high fives, or is that practice now ended? Will my teaching style be adjusted? Will I get so used to being by myself that the resumption of activity in the building will get on my nerves? (Ok. I didn’t really think that.)

And then my thoughts started going to an absolute worst case scenario. What would happen if for some reason we could not reopen? What if both the school and our church succumbed to economic pressures? And if that would happen, what would I do?

Have you ever contemplated what it would be like to do something completely different than you are now? And, if you had a choice, what would it be? The fact is, if the present situation continues for an extended period, many will simply be happy to have work of any kind in order to bring in a paycheck to support themselves or their family.

Which brings me back to my sincere thanks for all of our teachers, students, and families that are a part of a place where the greatest life skill of all time is taught: what it means to truly follow Jesus even in the most challenging of times. When this life skill is mastered, one knows Him to be anything but a psychological crutch, but a true Good Shepherd who navigates the way as the Holy Spirit fulfills the psalmist’s words, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

Life brings with it changes and challenges which sometimes leave us in situations we never thought we’d be in. But if we are following Jesus, we can be assured that He has already checked them out for us and knows how to get us through. And in the process, we learn more about His steadfast love and amazing care.

Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless, We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland.

Lutheran Service Book #718  Text: Public domain

– Pastor Schmidt

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash