Published: January 30, 2008 12:24 pm            

The Yield: Experiences of the past provide foundation for future

Originally published in the January 25, 2008, print edition.

Happy New Year! A time of fresh beginnings, this holiday season in the church year seems special. I feel particularly open to being called into account for my life. It can be a painful time of reflection. It can be a wonderful time of cleansing if we are willing to confess, or “fess up” as some would say.

I endured our communal time of confession, as read by the congregation. The parade of sins were mumbled and subdued. Some were troubling; some were prickly like a sandbur in my sock.

Then a revelation! I waited for the pastor’s response of forgiveness, but instead heard Pastor Steve say, “Ah, yes. I can see that in me.”

I was glad and quieted for the assurance of pardon. Pastor Steve responded singly and humbly, “In Him (Jesus) we are forgiven. Come and fill yourselves with grace, in our lives and in our living.

“Will the children come forward?” he asked. Some ran. Some came with siblings. A little girl tugged her security blanket. As they sat on the steps leading to the altar, attention was given to the question, “What new toys did you get for Christmas?” After enthusiastic responses, the pastor asked, “Did you throw your old toys away?” Some of the children looked aghast.

He told the story of his grandson. After playing with his new Christmas toys, he was glad to go back to his old favorite toy. He did not want to throw it away. Nor did it mean he would abandon his new toy. Play, activity and growth are important to the new year.

The past experiences bring us to the present. We keep pieces of our lives to build on the new experiences. I cannot imagine going through the illnesses of life without past experience. I remembered my mother caring for me when I had measles, mumps and chicken pox. Tender and loving, she was a glimpse of Father God’s love. Indeed, she and Dad taught us to pray and encouraged us to depend on the Lord.

When we were old enough, we had to, because Mom and Dad were not there to care for us. Those experiences with God helped me care for and love Larry through his journey with Alzheimer’s.

Can you imagine having no past? How awful! There would be nothing to build on. There could be no trust in the experiences we had with God, remembering His love, faithfulness and grace in the past. What about our goals for life? Who would teach our children and grandchildren about the mercies of God?

We’ve learned to trust God in the past and will trust Him in the future. He’s the constant through the years.

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.”

What experiences from the past have given you reason to trust God for the future?

I would like to thank Pastor Steve Kosberg of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato.

        

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