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Trail Crew

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Trail Crew near Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park

A final thought from Labor Day. While hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park last month, I encountered a trail crew building a new bridge. As a teen-ager I had thought trail crew would be the greatest job. They were paid to hike in the wilderness, surrounded by the wonder and beauty of God’s creation. Their work had tangible results, a path that leads from point x to point y.

Only later did I realize how hard their work truly was. Rocks, streams, trees, even mountains block their route. The crew had limited resources, mostly assorted hand tools, to construct the trail. Earlier that I had seen a crew moving large stones with only shovels and pickaxes so that the path could pass through a large boulder field.  They had to battle rain, heat, cold, mosquitoes and biting flies, while eating only the food they carried in. Watching them work, I realized their job is not as idyllic as I once thought.

The Bridge below Lake Haiyaha

Still as I watched, I gave a silent prayer of appreciation and thanks for the work they were doing. For years I have hike mountain trails, prepared and cleared by others. I realize that a small part of my tax dollars go to pay for this as does part of my user fees. Still I am benefiting from other’s labor. I am thankful for those who planned, surveyed, built and maintain our national parks and wilderness areas.

I am also mindful that Jesus has prepared the way for us to the Father.  He cleared the trail for us.  He lifted the heavy burden of our sin off our souls and buried it in the deepest sea. He continues to maintain the path that leads to eternal life.

You show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; Psalm 16:11.

What path are you following through life and who constructed it?

Lord Jesus, place me on the path that leads to yourself, that I might become what you created me to be.

Labor Day Ministry

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As we enter the Labor Day week-end, I am mindful of the various ways we labor. Our careers or vocations can dominate our lives, though we rarely take time to reflect on their significance. Yesterday I explored my daughter’s vocation; today I will reflect on my son’s. (Part of my vocation as a papa!)

I have written on Luther’s concept of vocation in the past (Light work and Deep Gladness). Luther’s emphasis was that our daily work was where we love our neighbor, where we make the world a more trustworthy place for all, Christians and non-Christians alike.

The prince should think: Christ has served me and made everything to follow him; therefore, I should also serve my neighbor, protect him and everything that belongs to him. That is why God has given me this office, and I have it that I might serve him.. . . When a prince sees his neighbor oppressed, he should think: That concerns me! I must protect and shield my neighbor….The same is true for shoemaker, tailor, scribe, or reader. If he is a Christian tailor, he will say: I make these clothes because God has bidden me do so, so that I can earn a living, so that I can help and serve my neighbor. When a Christian does not serve the other, God is not present; that is not Christian living. “Sermon in the Castle Church at Weimar” (25 October 1522)

Recently I met my son, Jonathan, for lunch. He and friends are starting their own business which will be serving our neighbors by providing safe, non-skid floors for pools and bathrooms. The product is called Life Floor.

Often people think that the Christian ministry needs to be done in or through a church and that it must be tagged with the name of Jesus. That is too narrow. Ministry or service happens in our homes, schools, offices and community centers when we serve others.  Our love of God is reflected in our love for our neighbor.

My son’s work is a form of ministry, of serving and loving our neighbor. He will soon install Life Floor in my mother’s apartment bathroom. This will be a true benefit for her since she recently fell while showering and made a trip to the emergency room. Life Floor will be a benefit to my mom. Seeing and addressing the needs of others in our complex world is Christian ministry.

How is your vocation serving your neighbor?

Lord Jesus, may my daily life become a path to love and serve my neighbor: at home, at school or work, or in my community.

Baker’s Vocation or Vacation

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Vocation and vacation sound alike, but rarely overlap in meaning. Vocation means calling and is often used interchangeably with job or career. Vacation means freedom from occupation or time away from job or career. My trip to Coloraod was a vacation from my role as pastor, but it was also a chance to witness my daughter’s vocation.

Suzanne Smiles in Her Domain

Though she graduated from college with a creative writing degree, Suzanne’s current passion and love is baking. Two years ago she went to Estes Park with a college friend to seek summer employment. I remember the frustration in her voice when she phoned home to tell us, she could find no work in Estes, not even at McDonald’s or Subway. I was preparing to drive out and bring her home, when my friend, Michael Johnson, suggested she look at guest ranches in Colorado. A few phone calls later, she had an interview at Lane’s Guest Ranch. The interview led to a job as pastry chef and my opportunity to enjoy her baking and cooking.

Baking in the mountains was a challenge. The high altitude affected dough and the kitchen was often over 100 degrees. This summer they were short staff most of the season. Still I enjoyed her strawberry shortcake, whole wheat rolls, white chocolate Torte and blueberry pancakes. I also discovered a big secret to making delicious brownies is a cup of brandy in the batter (at least I think it was a cup; Suzanne is very secretive about her recipes).  Suzanne is now back in Minnesota, seeking a winter vocation.

On the drive home Suzanne reminded me of the significance of bread in the Bible. God told Adam that it would be “by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread,” when God removed Adam and Eve from the Garden (Genesis 3:19). Thus the work for bread is part of the curse we endure as rebellious sinners. Yet God provided bread for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and for the prophet Elijah in his journey (I Kings 19).

Jesus transformed bread from Satan’s temptation in the wilderness (where it is a reminder of Adam’s curse) to the miracle of feeding 5,000 with just five loaves. Afterwards Jesus stated, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Finally Jesus promised Holy Communion when we eat the bread that is his body (Matthew 26:26). To be a baker is to have a holy vocation.

How is your vocation a place for God to work?

Lord Jesus, thank you for all who sweat and work for my daily bread.

Wild Life Encounters

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Wild life abounds in Rocky Mountain National Park.  In the high country I enjoyed the fat marmots sunning themselves on exposed boulders while small pikas scurried around beneath them.  There were some large falcons circling on the heat thermals each afternoon and one trail was closed due to an aggressive raptor in the area.  On my recent trip, two wild life encounters stand out.

Estes Park Elk

First was an elk.  I was bicycling an Estes Park city trail one evening when I  was surprised to spot an elk only a few feet from the trail.  He was enjoying an evening meal and had no problem with me stopping and taking his picture.   Later I learned that elk are prevalent in Estes Park as fall approaches.  The residents consider them a sign of the changing season.

My second encounter was late at night.  I had placed all my campsite food inside my car, except for my ice cooler.   I figured that no chipmunk or squirrel would be able to open my cooler.  At 11:30 pm I was awaken from a sound sleep by a crash outside my tent.  I quickly grabbed my flashlight and poked my head from the tent.  The cooler was on the ground, its contents strewn across the campsite.  I stepped outside the tent and then spotted the two yellow orbs and the big brown shape staring back at me about 10 feet from the cooler.  A bear had entered my campsite.

For nearly a minute we stared at each other.  He (or she) made no moves towards the cooler or me.  I stepped back to my car and open the car door for a quick exit, but the bear still did not move.  I slammed the car door in hopes of frightening the bear.   The sound startled the bear and it took a few steps back. After a second, louder car door slam, the bear turned and dashed off into the woods.  After waiting a few minutes, I gathered up all the food from the cooler and repacked it before placing it inside the car trunk.  I did take some deep breaths and contemplated calm images prior to falling asleep again.   The next morning I discovered an empty tortilla wrapper; the bear had found something to eat.

The two encounters started me thinking about how people might encounter God.  On the one hand we might think of God as a sign of the season, a kind of wild pet that comes and goes as it pleases, of which we occasionally make sightings. Such encounters seem safe and calming, but they rarely change our behavior or lifestyle.  The second encounter was more disruptive, more awe-some.  It reminded me that God is GOD ALMIGHTY, and that awe and fear can be  appropriate responses to a God-encounter.   Such encounters can change our behavior. I kept the cooler locked in the trunk after that night.

God is the Almighty, Ruler of heaven and earth.  When the Israelites confronted God on Mt. Sinai, they were terrified and thought they would die.  “For who is there of all flesh that has heard the voice of God speaking out of fire as we have, and remained alive?”  (Deut. 5:26)  I fear that we might have turned God into our manageable pet, rather than seeing God as the awesome Creator of the Universe.  Perhaps we need a crash at midnight to wake us from our spiritual slumber.

In what ways is God “wild” to you?

Almighty God, break into my life with all your power and glory that I might see you as you truly are.

Mountain Guide

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First, I want to thank Sarah Storvick for being my guest blogger last week.  I appreciate her thoughtful reflections on participation in a “fake” book club and our call to be authentic followers of Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful for having gifted co-workers to share the call to trust, live and serve.

Pastor John Atop Hallett's Peak in RMNP

Second, I am thankful for a refreshing vacation.  I had some great hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, including the top of Hallett Peak on the Continental Divide.  While atop the peak, I met a volunteer ranger named John. He named all the surrounding peaks for me and told me stories of some of his past hikes and climbs.  He was carrying an ice axe which was not needed on the hike up.  He informed me that he was planning to descend via Andrew’s glacier, an alternate return route that I had been considering.  But seeing his ice axe caused me concern since I did not carry one.  I asked, “Do you think I could descend the glacier without an ice axe?”

He responded,  “I honestly don’t know, but you are welcome to follow me and together we can find out.”

Ranger John preparing to descend Andrews Glacier

Ranger John lead me across the boulder-strewn divide to Andrew’s Glacier and there he stopped to attach some light hiking crampons to his boot. He then directed me on the best angle to descend the ice field and how to navigate beyond the small lake at the glacier’s bottom.   His guiding presence gave me peace and confidence through some tricky parts.

Shortly after John and I parted, I wondered if I would have been as patient and caring to a fellow hiker?  Ranger John certainly was enthusiastic about hiking and proud of the many hidden splendors of Rocky Mountain National Park.  He was a natural evangelists for the park and especially the back country.  Am I as enthusiastic about my journey with Jesus Christ and the high country through which he guides me?  Are you?

Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people” (Mark 1:17).

Lord Jesus, guide me this day along the path you have given to walk.  Prepare me to be companion guide for the people I meet.

Follow Me

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I was talking to my husband about this week’s calendar, and whether I could fit a book group gathering into the schedule. From the back of the van came this question, “Do you guys even read?” My son’s question came from a misunderstanding, but it also contained a lot of truth. Some of the women in this group read the books, others don’t. Each meeting seems to have fewer minutes of book talk and more conversation about children, school, work, and well, life. One member’s son calls it her ‘fake book group.’ I know it’s not the only area of my life where I describe myself one way, but the reality behind the words is something else.  

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life.   Matthew 16:21-26

In The Message Bible, Jesus tells Peter, “You have no idea how God works.”  And to the disciples, he says, “You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”

How much am I like Peter? He’s just been named the rock on which Christ will build his church, and is now struggling to grasp Jesus’ purpose. Can I grasp what it means for Jesus to be God’s son, in all that demands? When I say I am a follower of Jesus, how might that perceptive voice from the back of the van call me out?

Peter is all of these things – faithful, friend, flawed, foundation, follower. What does his story teach us?

Lord, help me to follow you.

 (Guest blogger Sarah Storvick)

Searching for Treasure

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This absolutely gorgeous summer day is distracting me, and my mind wanders, trying to figure out how I can squeeze in a little park hike to search for the Woodbury Days medallion. 

Most summers, at least one of our kids and I have spent a little time pondering the clues, poring over area maps, and wandering around area parks. Though we’ve never found the medallion, we’ve searched in (almost) the right places. Fond memories were made as we enjoyed fun time together, trying to get the most out of the last weeks of summer. This year, however, we haven’t yet made it past reading the clues.  Older teens, perhaps. 

It’s not just the weather that makes me want to hit the trail. I also just want to say that I’ve tried, and successful or not, the search is usually the best prize to come out of the adventure. The same is true of whatever I look for in my walk with God. I can spend a fair amount of time thinking about my search . . . wishing for more focused time in God’s word, thinking about where best to serve God’s world, watching for more direct signs from my heavenly father.  It’s when I grab the map and go that the search gets interesting. Whether I find what I set out to discover, or not, I’m glad for the time spent on the trail, with other seekers. And I usually find treasure–rarely what I was expecting. In much the same way that time with my kids was the real prize in past medallion hunts, the rewards for my faith wanderings are not necessarily what I was hoping to find, but thankfully, the ones God knows I need. 

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  James 1:17

What clues are calling to you? What medallion are you seeking? 

(guest blogger Sarah Storvick)

Thank You

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This fall our congregation’s theme will be: Generous Living: Responding to God’s Abundance.  One generous response to God’s abundance is to develop a heart of gratefulness.  I am grateful for the wonderful people of Resurrection and the opportunity they give me to be on vacation.   I am also thankful that Sarah Storvick, my capable colleague in ministry, will provide some guest post on this blog next week (if technical challenges allow)> 

A part of my relaxation is rereading Wayne Muller’s book, Sabbath,

Meister Eckhart, the Christian mystic, asserted that if the only prayer we ever prayed our whole life was “Thank you,” that would be enough.  Gratefulness cultivates a visceral experience of having enough.  When we are mindful of what we have, and give thanks for the many gifts we have overlooked or forgotten, our sense of wealth cannot help but expand, and we soon achieve a sense of sufficiency we so desire.  Practice thanksgiving before meals, upon rising, when going to sleep.  Friends, family, food, color, fragrance, the earth, life itself — these are all gifts, perfectly gratuitous.  How can we not give thanks?  During Sabbath time we are less concerned with what is missing, focusing instead on sharing our gratefulness for what has already been given (p. 128).

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

Here is a spiritual exercise worth doing every month.  Take a blank piece of paper and make a list of 100 people/things/experiences for which you are thankful.

Thank You, Lord.

Facing the Monsters of Our Life

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A Teaching Story from R. Wayne Willis.

There’s an old Egyptian story about a little boy named Miobi who came to a village where the people were very strange. They did little more than moan and groan about almost everything. The fires didn’t get lit, the goats didn’t get milked, the children didn’t get clothed, and the crops didn’t get planted, all because the villagers were expecting any time to get eaten by the monster that lived on top of the mountain.

Miobi looked up, and behold — the monster was real. He had a head like a crocodile and a body like a hippopotamus and a tail like a very fat snake. Smoke and fire came from his nostrils. The villagers lived in dread that any day the monster might come down and devour them.

Miobi said to the villagers, “I will go up the mountain by myself and challenge the monster.” The villagers pleaded with him not to go, sure that he would never return. Miobi began to climb the mountain, and as he climbed higher and higher and got nearer and nearer, the monster looked smaller and smaller. “This is a very curious phenomenon indeed,” thought Miobi. “When I run away from the monster, the monster gets larger, but the nearer I get to it, the smaller it becomes.”

When at last Miobi reached the cave, instead of a gigantic monster, he found a quiet little creature about the size of a toad. It purred. Miobi picked it up and put it in his pocket and headed back down the mountain.

When the villagers saw Miobi safe and sound, they wanted to make him their god for slaying the monster. Miobi explained exactly what had happened and how he had brought the “monster” back down the mountain as a pet. He showed them the little-toad like creature. “What is your name?” the villagers asked. The monster answered, “I have many names. Some call me famine, and some pestilence; some call me war, and some cancer.” Then the little creature yawned and added, “But most call me What Might Happen.”

— R. Wayne Willis in Hope Notes

How do you face “what might have been?”

“Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8

Lord Jesus, give me courage to face “what ever comes” with you.

Cornfields, Pumpkins and Worship

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Cross and Corn

My daughter, Christina, is home from her college in Pennsylvania and worshipped at our outside service on Sunday.  She commented afterwards, “It is so amazing having worship beside a cornfield.”  She went on to say that many of her eastern classmates think Minnesota is covered with cornfields, so our worship reinforced that stereotype. I reminded her that just north of Bailey Road is a golf course and thousands of suburban homes.  Still the cornfield stands out.

Perhaps the cornfield can serve as a symbol of the vibrant life in Christ.  Jesus often used the image of seeds to communicate the growing aspect of our life in him

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat (or corn?) falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24

The cornfield also reminds us that we are called to grow together.  The cornstalks are stronger and more resist to wind if they grow in a field together.  Yet each cornstalk is unique in it height, breadth and yield.  We are all unique creations of God, wired with our own dependable strengths, passions and callings.

The cornfield also connects us to a key petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us today our daily bread.”  God uses the farmer, millers, bakers, merchants, and financiers to move the corn in the field to the food on our table.   We can be thankful not only for the food but for all the people who work to feed us.

Scott H tilling the soil

Near the cornfield is the pumpkin patch that our church is  utilizing to grow pumpkins for our harvest festival in October.  Scott Hanson is working the field, trying to keep the weeds down and the vines growing.  It is truly amazing to watch how the vines in such a short time have covered the field.   Pumpkins are rapidly growing into ripe fruit.  I am reminded that God first put Adam in the garden of Eden to till and keep it (Genesis 2:15).   Our patch may not be Eden, but it is direct descendent.

How do you celebrate the wonder of summer growth?

Early Pumpkin

God of the harvest,
I celebrate the earthiness of potatoes just dug up,  the sweetness of corn,
the beads of dew on tiny gourds,
 the orange glow of ripe pumpkins,
 green cucumbers and zucchini,
the garden full of life, health and bounty.