I was asked to preach in late August back in the parish I served in Michigan. It was for the wedding of a young lady I baptized in 1981. The pastor had good success with a knee replacement in June and hoped to have the other knee done in August. He did not think he would be well enough for her wedding and thought of postponing the surgery until after the busy fall schedule and having it in January. The young lady's mother suggested they call me and I was able to work a quick trip into Michigan.

It is always a joy to visit with the many people for whom I served as pastor. It took quite a long time for everyone to get out after the service as I caught up with so many dear friends.

Among the many conversations, one stands out. I need to give some background. One member of the congregation was married to a man who joined the congregation as an adult after attending the Life with God class. His first wife had died. But he invited a sister-in-law from his first marriage to come. She in turn first brought her mother. Then she brought her daughter and three children. The kids were about seven, five, and three. Their first time in church was during a Lenten service and mom thought the children should be up front to see what was going on.

The kids were not used to worship and did a lot of crawling around on the floor, even back and forth under the pews. Grandma remembered that as we talked recently. Good church going people have observations about such things that you can fill in for yourself. But by early May, their mother had been instructed and mom and the three were baptized and mom was confirmed and the kids settled down just fine. (Later, her husband also came to faith, but that was after I left).

The boy, who was five, mentioned to his mother that he would like to be a pastor, like me, but that he also liked to sing. Mom noted that I like to sing and that would not be a hindrance. Over the years they transferred to a congregation closer to their home and he went on to college and seminary. I even got to hear him preach, and he is an excellent preacher. He is serving in his first parish in Michigan.

My thrill was when his older and younger sisters came with the family to the service in late August, to catch up with me. The older daughter has the challenge of a daughter who must be in a wheelchair. In spite of those issues, she is involved with outreach ministry to international students both in her home congregation and her brother's congregation. All three are involved in congregational life.

Just think about the plans the Lord had for those little kids and the joy in the Lord's heart. He died and rose for them and had great plans. He does for us. He does for all. Look at everyone in that new light of Life in Christ and blessings to be given. Celebrate as you watch others grow into the gift God will give through them. Be patient as our Lord is patient with us. Look for the young and old today and see them as the beloved and forgiven in Christ. That is our ministry. That is our joy. That is our challenge.

In Christ our Lord and Savior,
Pastor Thomas Trapp