Sights and smells can trigger memories. When I took a part time job at Hy-Vee this past fall, I immediately went back in time when I walked into the back stock room. The smell reminded me of another super-market job when I was in high school. It was one of my favorite jobs so it was a good memory. It was a time of dreams and goals. I was finishing high school and about to enter college to pursue my dream of being a pastor. I worked hard and saved money for school. I was young, excited and full of hope.
Sights and smells. The smell of fresh fallen leaves, the sight of a tree standing tall in the woods; praise God for sights and smells!
And then there are sounds that do the same. I recently took a full time job working with youth who are at risk. At the center where I work I saw a library book lying on a table in the main office. You know, the ones covered with wrap so little fingers don’t get them smudgy. I opened the book and the crinkling noise whisked me back to a time when the teacher opened such a book and read to me. I don’t know what it was but it was a pleasant sound and a sweet memory. One of being safe and learning things that would take me into a world of exploring my dreams! The power of a teacher is amazing.
I still think about my world of being a pastor. I have been one for over 22 years. Right now I don’t have a church and I miss things about that very much. But for now I am content to wait and see what God has planned for me. I don’t think He is finished with me yet. I knew that when the other day I was going into the Bowden Youth Center and I heard some church bells ring. It was as if the bells were calling me to something that I could not explain. I longed to be in a church at that precise moment. As I walked into work I began to wonder if for now this was my church. Perhaps the bells were calling me to make a difference in the lives of young people and to give them hope.
Perhaps one day they will see or smell or hear something that will remind them of the encouragement they received to pursue the dreams anyone can achieve if given the chance.
I look forward to hearing the bells ring again.
In Christ,
Pastor John
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1 comment:
Ahhhh, Pastor John, I think your earlier message about "Seeing in part" is a good response to this message. Your work with youth at this time is where God wants you to be... WHY? I have no idea and you are only seeing "in part", but someday you will see clearly. May God toll the bell in your heart, wherever you are shepherding.
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