August 2005
"Time for Preparation"
As we move into the final third of the summer of 2005 we begin to focus our attention on preparation. This is a time of preparation in our families as we make ready for a new school year. Those of us, who have school age children, are soon to turn our minds upon the school clothes and school supplies that need to be purchased along with all that needs to be done before school starts. Some of us, with older kids, will be sending them off to college again or maybe for the first time. Preparation must be made for the logistics of moving their belongings to their new residence; be it a dorm or an apartment, or whatever. And regardless of where they end up moving, the anxiety that we feel because of the upcoming separation from these members of our family tears at our hearts and again we need to prepare ourselves as they make ready to leave for a new chapter in their lives and ours.
This is also a time of preparation for the church. We are soon to embark on our year long celebration of the 125th anniversary of our church. We are also in preparation for the upcoming stewardship campaign and our upcoming charge conference. And before you know it we’ll be in Advent with all the activities that are a part of the Christmas season.
It seems that we are constantly in a state of preparation for one thing or another. The importance of preparation cannot be overstated. Even the Boy Scout’s motto is "Be Prepared". But we get so busy preparing for this, that or the other thing in this world, I wonder, do we really spend enough time preparing for the next? It is so easy to get caught up in the business that we often neglect that which is infinitely more important. It’s much like preparing for an expedition that will take six months to complete and only allowing for enough provisions for the first day of the journey. We allow the things of the moment to take precedence over the things that are to come; things eternal.
As Christians – disciples of Jesus Christ – we are also to be in the process of preparation. Preparation as God’s people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-13).
Preparation for the fullness of God’s kingdom; on earth as it is in heaven; we pray it every Sunday. Let us live it every day.
Grace and Peace, The Rev. Rob Hughes
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