Dear Friends:
When September comes, the air is full of activities and events, school, return to work and a host of things that would make one's head spin. What we do is go through a very familiar cycle: September means back to school, back to regular routines, back to the hectic pace of our lives. The only thing that can interrupt these routines is the unexpected, the unplanned for, the surprises that life is so capable of producing. However, I have learned that these interruptions can be profound God moments. We get so set in our ways and our patterns that we too often forget about God. We have the kids' games to get to, we have the work deadline to make, we have the forgotten school supplies to pick up, and the list goes on and on.
It's much the same at Grace Church. We have all the fall start ups: Homecoming Sunday; Sunday School; the regular worship routines … and on and on it will go. But the unexpected comes, and we have to pause. These moments can really make us stop and think. What is really important in our lives? What does all the busyness cover up or make us forget? If it's something as powerful as a job lost, or a relationship ending, or the death of a relative, or a health issue … we are forced to think about what is important.
I believe these interruptions allow us to move closer to God. God is always there, but in all the busyness of life, we too often forget about the divine presence. It usually takes the unexpected, the radical, and the unforeseen to force us to take off the dark glasses and see the light of God in our lives. Jesus was so adept at creating these unexpected moments in his ministry. It usually takes these interruptions to stop and recognize the love and presence of our God.
For me this summer, the interruption has come in the form of a diagnosis of cancer. I've had melanoma before, but that was external … surgery took care of it. But this time, it's internal. Fortunately, it is early. But this time the surgery will be a bit more extensive. I will be out of work for at least a couple of weeks. This "interruption" in my life comes at a time when we struggle to maintain the ministry of the parish, we wrestle with the economic chaos of our lives, our nation seems polarized on every important political issue … and yet … I see the hand of God at work. Yes, there is a sinking feeling when the doctor says its cancer. Yes, there is the concern of family members. Yes, there is the bad timing of it all … and yet … I see the presence of God at work.
It was a fluke that a doctor ordered a blood test earlier this year for me that discovered that something was wrong … or was it a fluke? I don't believe in coincidence. I call it a God incident. The prognosis is good, it's early, and I am moving ahead. But I also get to join a group of parishioners who know what it's like to go through this trauma. In the midst of it all, I once again have to think about what is important. I am reminded of God's presence, of the value of family and friends and the promises of Jesus to be with us always.
Please keep Grace Church and me in your prayers this month. My surgery is scheduled for September 15th … I would especially appreciate your prayers at that time. Diane and the office will keep you updated on my progress if you don't see me. But thanks to the miracle of the Internet, I will be in touch. Take time in all the busyness this fall to ask yourself what really is important. You might want to consider changing some things to get those important people back at the top or your list, along with God!
faithfully
yours in Christ,
Fr Pat