It's been just over a month since my wife, Haley, and I first moved to Indiana. Before said move, the residents of Lafayette assured us that the weather was "no different" from Kentucky weather, that it "wasn't really that much colder." I'm glad that they told us this, because now I know that I was called to pastor a community of liars.
It's cold. Really, really cold. At times like this, it's hard to imagine what could possible make the world outside so necessary and appealing that I would choose to brave the snow and this infernal wind. I walked the dogs this morning because they're loud and whiny, and I suppose I'm going to suit up and head to the church office in few minutes, because it's like my job or something.
It's truly amazing the effect that discomfort can have on our motivation, isn't it? No matter how dedicated you are to a course of action, no matter how assured you are of a righteous path or a perfect plan, the knowledge of discomfort changes everything.
Having recently learned about St. Anges of Rome for the purposes of Lent Madness**, this snow makes me wonder - would I have faced the flames and sword for my dedication to Christ? I don't rightly know.
As I look around at worshipers and worship communities who are turning their world upside-down in an effort to live out the Gospel, to attract new people to the faith by dint of creating a radical, unique community, this snow makes me wonder if I have the perseverance to blaze new trails as they have.
As I look around this world full of pain and hatred, this snow makes me wonder if I am capable of transforming it in God's image.
But y'know, as I pack up to leave for work, I realize: It's not the paycheck that makes me brave the snow, nor the sense of responsibility. It's excitement about the job ahead. I'm excited about sermons to prepare and worship to plan. I'm excited about a community to forge and a world to transform. I'm excited about another day, which is another chance to truly live out the Gospel... and that's what gets me out in the snow.
What bitter wind keeps you from living out your potential? What cold makes you scared of braving the world outside, so that you keep your light hidden up, like your lamp hidden under a bushel? And, more to the point, what energizes you to break through the fear and that discomfort? There's a whole world out there, full of causes that need supporting and wrongs to be righted and oppression to be fought and seven billion hearts to fill with love. Maybe, if you're excited about it too, the cold will not stop you.
As for me? I'm going to pre-heat the car.
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** PS - Lent Madness! www.lentmadness.org Go check it out! Learn! Pray! Vote!
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