I walked to school today--a short walk on a beautiful day. I hope to walk or ride bicycle to work in the spring and summer. Perhaps for an entire week! Walking is healthy, changes one's pace and capacity to be productive. It takes longer to get from place to place, so less can be accomplished. Less is sometimes more.
I spent two hours at Lancaster Co. Prison on Monday, visiting two 20-somethings who are in trouble. They need healing and hope and a way to live that is better than what they have been living. They need an Exodus from the life they are in. Jen from the legal system itself and from probation; Justin from relationships and from a negative self understanding. He also needs to be freed from addiction. I spent time talking about Baptism, God's grace, etc...I will visit them again next Monday. Prison is a deeper experience than the cell one is confined to. It is in ones mind. I will visit more regularly with news of God's Exodus plan for those in prison.
Tomorrow I need time to focus on God's Word. I will be with Rodney Martin in the morning to listen and pray. In the afternoon I will be at school and then at the Beck's before the council meeting. I am looking forward to council. I think the meeting could be fruitful, if people are willing to accept that the church's focus is on making disciples who follow Jesus and serve neighbors. It is that simple. I'm not here to keep members happy or content. If they aren't open to learn the way of Jesus, then they ought not to get in the way of those who are. I'm here to make members into disciples of Jesus. But I've already run into members who think that they call the shots, without experience or understanding behind it. Disciples are willing to experience God's gifts, even when they become uncomfortable, becasue they trust that God is the one in charge. Sheep prefer to wander off on their own with their heads down. Shepherds are called to lead the flock to the pastures and waters ahead, that they cannot see. No wonder the sheep metaphor works.
