The Pastor's Pen
The Life We Keep Meaning to Live
There’s a particular kind of optimism involved in moving something from this week’s “to do” list to next week’s. Apparently, I believe that the person I’ll be next Tuesday will have more time, more energy, and a much better attitude about making phone calls.
I have known that person for a long time. The evidence is mixed.
Some things on the list can wait. But I wonder how often we put off the very things we want our lives to be about. We mean to call the friend we’ve lost touch with. We mean to make time for someone who’s lonely. We mean to be more generous when things settle down a bit. Then another week comes along, and it turns out to be remarkably like the last one.
In Sunday’s Gospel, ten bridesmaids are waiting for the wedding to begin. All ten intend to welcome the bridegroom. All ten fall asleep when he’s delayed. The difference becomes clear when he finally arrives and they reach for their lamps: some have brought oil enough for a longer wait. They made a choice earlier in the evening that mattered when the moment came.
I’ve been thinking about that as we approach Commitment Sunday. So much of what we value about Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church is possible because somebody made a choice before the need arose. Before a family knew they would need help keeping the lights on, someone had already given. Before a child walked into children’s church, someone had already set aside time to prepare a lesson. Before any of us knew who would walk through the doors on a Sunday morning, people had already made sure there would be a place to welcome them.
That’s one of the joys of making a pledge. We get to take some of what God has given us and set it aside for people and possibilities we can’t yet see. Together, our pledges help the church plan its ministry for 2027. For each of us, a pledge is also a chance to ask what we want our giving to say about what matters to us.
On Sunday, November 15, we’ll bring our pledges and make our commitments for the coming year. Sometime this week, I invite you to sit down with your pledge card and give yourself a few quiet minutes. Think of one way this church has blessed you or someone you love. Think of one thing you hope we can do for our neighbors in the coming year. Then ask, with gratitude and honesty, what you can give to help make that possible.
There will always be something to move to next Tuesday. Here’s one good thing we can make time for this week.
Blessings,
Pastor Greg
There’s a particular kind of optimism involved in moving something from this week’s “to do” list to next week’s. Apparently, I believe that the person I’ll be next Tuesday will have more time, more energy, and a much better attitude about making phone calls.
I have known that person for a long time. The evidence is mixed.
Some things on the list can wait. But I wonder how often we put off the very things we want our lives to be about. We mean to call the friend we’ve lost touch with. We mean to make time for someone who’s lonely. We mean to be more generous when things settle down a bit. Then another week comes along, and it turns out to be remarkably like the last one.
In Sunday’s Gospel, ten bridesmaids are waiting for the wedding to begin. All ten intend to welcome the bridegroom. All ten fall asleep when he’s delayed. The difference becomes clear when he finally arrives and they reach for their lamps: some have brought oil enough for a longer wait. They made a choice earlier in the evening that mattered when the moment came.
I’ve been thinking about that as we approach Commitment Sunday. So much of what we value about Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church is possible because somebody made a choice before the need arose. Before a family knew they would need help keeping the lights on, someone had already given. Before a child walked into children’s church, someone had already set aside time to prepare a lesson. Before any of us knew who would walk through the doors on a Sunday morning, people had already made sure there would be a place to welcome them.
That’s one of the joys of making a pledge. We get to take some of what God has given us and set it aside for people and possibilities we can’t yet see. Together, our pledges help the church plan its ministry for 2027. For each of us, a pledge is also a chance to ask what we want our giving to say about what matters to us.
On Sunday, November 15, we’ll bring our pledges and make our commitments for the coming year. Sometime this week, I invite you to sit down with your pledge card and give yourself a few quiet minutes. Think of one way this church has blessed you or someone you love. Think of one thing you hope we can do for our neighbors in the coming year. Then ask, with gratitude and honesty, what you can give to help make that possible.
There will always be something to move to next Tuesday. Here’s one good thing we can make time for this week.
Blessings,
Pastor Greg
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