"Jesus Promises to Be With Us No Matter What..."

Transition: the act of passing from one state or place to the next…conversion…change

Dear Friends,

            I read a long time ago, “that the only being that actually enjoys change is a baby with a wet diaper.”  For the most part, in my own life, that little joke rings true.  Typically, change is hard, painful, disruptive, and also inevitable.   At the same time, change can be wonderful, even liberating.   Sometimes our conversion experiences are like that, and sometimes they are not so predictable.

            In scripture, the apostle Paul talked constantly about conversion, transformation, and change.  Paul writes: “Be no longer children but grow up in Christ.”(Ephesians 4:14-15).  Paul lived his life faithfully, expecting to change and be changed by God’s love and Spirit.  He expected and encouraged followers of Jesus to “build each other up” in love, sharing food, shelter, hope, prayers, and patience as the Body of Christ.  He encouraged us to love one another as Jesus loves us and, regardless of our circumstances, to nourish our hearts and spirits toward something Paul called ‘spiritual maturity’. 

            Sometimes we can’t see what’s changing, and sometimes we can.  Sometimes, change is only visible looking backward.  Sometimes change is visited upon us like an earthquake, and we feel utterly out of control.  Jesus promises to be with us no matter what our particular change brings us.  God promises grace, and our goal is to cooperate with grace when we can, with faith and trust. As we follow Jesus, God is changing us in little and big ways to be more like Christ every day.  Most of this can seem academic and even unnecessary when faced with little changes like braces or diapers.  But maybe each little transition simply prepares us for much more.

            Our Diocese is getting ready to welcome a new Bishop!  I am excited to be part of preparing the way for Bishop-elect Lawson to assume leadership, officially on June 27.  I am also convinced that our parishes will continue to do for our next Bishop what they’ve done for me, namely, lift him up in prayer, welcome him with warm hospitality, and actively work with him to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all those God sends our way.   I know Bishop-elect Lawson already has your support and love, and I’m sure that will grow.  Typically, what makes change challenging is the grief that it often brings.  Any sadness about my time as Bishop coming to an end soon is grounded in the grace of God at work in my life. 

            Almost every day, someone asks me, “Bishop, what will you do when you retire?”  My answer is always the same: “Rest for a time, listen for what God calls me to do.”  I would like to add the following: As I rest and listen, I will give deep thanks for the honor of serving you as your Bishop.  I give thanks for your consistent support, your love, encouragement, and trust as we have worked together in this part of God’s vineyard. My life with you and with our Lord has been forever blessed and changed for the better because of the richness and new life God has made possible.   I believe we have tried our best to “build each other up” in love. I can’t wait to see what unfolds next for this great Diocese, and my heart is full. 

All our ministry remains in my prayers and always near.  As always, I hope I see you at Church!