A Non-Anxious Presence
Many of us have relationships, mentors, teachers, and influences who have built a piece of our story, right? People who have shared a moment, some words, or some actions that made permanent impressions on us in the most heavenly ways. I hope you have had that in your life.
In 2007, Karrie and I were on a road trip. Our last vacation together before kids as she was pregnant with our first son. We decided on an East Coast road trip…NYC…Gettysburg…Washington D.C. Little did we know that 4 years later, we would be moving to the suburbs of D.C. to start a church.
The most memorable part of the trip was surprising, but it was a memory that shaped me as a pastor, husband, and leader. During our stay in Pennsylvania, we stayed a night with my Aunt Shirley and Uncle John. They were both retired. Shirley was battling cancer and John was pastoring a local church part-time. We decided to attend the Sunday service with them, a small aging congregation. I was a youth pastor at a megachurch, fully swimming in the waters of the Evangelical church growth movement.
Worshipping with my aunt and uncle’s congregation, I watched John not only preach, but he also led Communion, and led all of the hymn singing. Afterwards, I watched him spend moments with his congregation, providing pastoral care and connection. He did it all! And during our stay with him and my aunt, we got a glimpse of their marriage and the gentleness and peace that permeated their relationship, despite her battling a disease that would take her life just a few years later.
I remember being in awe of all of this. I was 27 years old, young and arrogant. I could get people excited and I served faithfully, but in comparison to what I saw with John, I thought, “This is what a real pastor looks and acts like.”
17 years later, I would describe his demeanor as a non-anxious presence. He didn’t rush anyone or anything. He was fully present in every moment. I could tell people felt seen and heard. Karrie and I both felt that in his and Shirley’s presence. It was the most inspiring part of our trip.
My uncle John passed away this week. To me, he was a legend and an important influence on my life. I think back on those couple of days we spent in Pennsylvania with him and Shirley as a formational moment in my faith journey.
Who in your life has had a heavenly influence on you?
Maybe take a few moments of quiet and silence today to think about them.
The practice of remembering can reawaken and reignite faith. Many times, these are the seeds that Christ will water that lead us back to Him.