Yes We Can

Today has truly been Ash Wednesday.

It wasn't just Ash Wednesday because of the liturgical calendar or because I was reminded I am dust and to dust I shall return as the gritty, grimy ashes were placed on my forehead. Today was also Ash Wednesday because I was reminded in very real ways of just how human we are. Friends were either mourning a death this morning or in surgery. Others were struggling with emotional responses to illness. Some have suffered some real difficulties and it seemed like today was the day that all came to bare.

Today has truly been Ash Wednesday.

But in the midst of it, I was reminded that even though I am but dust, even though we are but dust, God calls us out of that and into relationship. God's promises continue to give us hope. I was reminded especially by a music video put together with Barack Obama's victory speech in South Carolina a week ago or so. So I pass this along... and hopefully you'll watch it regardless of your political leanings. I like the messages of hope and unity as we look to the future of not only this country, but for the world and the church as well.

An Update and Some Thoughts

A good friend recently reminded me that I had not updated my blog in the time post-surgery. My ankle is doing nicely and progressing. I have been out of the splint and off crutches for about a week and a half now - back into the boot. I see my doctor this Thursday to get my stitches out and hopefully be out of the boot. Pain is minimal and I haven't really been taking any painkillers - occasionally I'll take some Tylenol but that's it for the past week or so.

The new semester (and my last as an M. Div. student) started today and as part of that I have been engaged in much theological thought in the past several days. I had an experience last night that made me pause and gave me some room for thought so I suppose I will share with you.

I was at a Super Bowl party hosted by some friends of mine. All the people in attendence were Trinity students until two people that I as well as the party hosts know, but are not seminary students, walked in. I talked with them for a bit and so did my friend John - but then I pulled back and watched. Nobody talked with the newcomers even after they were introduced. Granted, there was a football game and commercials on TV - but even as we headed into halftime and people moved from their seats and were talking to others near these two people, nobody engaged them. Here are a bunch of leaders in the Lutheran church and we can't get outside of ourselves, outside of our comfort zone, to welcome the stranger. I bet money there are very few people outside of the three of us who already know them that could tell me who the two are and what they do for a living. I felt horrible because in contrast, when I first met them, they were nothing but welcoming to me and engaged me when I was the stranger in the group. I think we as Lutherans have a lot to learn from them!

So now as I contemplate the nature of the church and what it looks like, I think hospitality is going to be a big piece I carry into my future ministry. Teaching people to be hospitible. Making sure that I am and holding myself accountable - always looking for the stranger and making sure they are no longer a stranger. Even if there is a big game on TV - I can take a few minutes out of my life to ask a few questions and get to know somebody. What's more important, the game or a relationship with a person?

Just some thoughts...

Kate