I doubt I’m the first to say or think of this, but if a pastor ever wondered why s/he had kids, s/he might be tempted to say, “For the sermon illustrations.”
I’ve tried over the years to be judicious about using my kids in sermon and I (almost) always ask them if it’s OK to use a story or experience. My son put this note in my folder a couple of Sundays ago and it’s too rich not to reflect on it.
Preaching is one of my favorite things to do as a pastor and I’m usually pretty excited on Sundays to stand before the congregation and share a few thoughts on a certain text. For some reason three weeks ago, I wasn’t particularly confident in the sermon I was preaching that Sunday, but when I opened up my folder and saw this note, I couldn’t help but smile and think, “It’s going to be fine.”
My son, of course, wished for me to be in God’s presence. But I love the concept of being in God’s presents. In the mornings when I pray, I sometimes imagine the specific date as a literal gift (complete with wrapping paper and a bow) from God, who says, “Today, Christian, is Saturday, October 25, 2014. It’s my gift to you and I can’t wait to share it with you.” I find it to be a helpful way to begin my day.
I don’t think I’ve ever thought about myself as a present, however. Could it be that God is “gifting” a day to a particular person and I am playing a key role in the sharing of that gift on that day?I may, indeed, be in God’s present for someone else. I find that to be both inspiring and challenging!
May you be in God’s presents today and may the person who receives that present know that a Loving Giver is behind it all.