All the pools are green (all the pools are green)

If you are too young to remember the Mama's and the Papa's, then chances are you did not get the pun in my title.  In fact, unless you - like me - are constantly singing scores of obscure tunes in your head as you take in people, scenery and dialogue, then you likely STILL didn't get it.  But... that's just me. It's who I am (as they say) and, well... I just can't hide it! (Oops, there's another one - I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I want you).

But - back to my title - and my plight. Belinda and I have spent the better part of our short summer thus far trying to get the 'green' out of our pool, and we've tried everything.  Everything, however, EXCEPT calling in a professional.  So today I called one - and complained of my pool's condition.  Urgently I told the poor pool guy over the phone, "my pool is green!!!" And that's when I heard this line from him - sir, "all the pools are green." So that I added - and couldn't help it - I know, "and the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)."  And, though my mind was busy singing, I was adept enough in this moment to realize that the conversation - as far as my pool was concerned - was going nowhere. In order to fix my pool, I had to have the professional come out - so that, HE (the professional), could actually see it.  Just saying my pool was green wasn't going to be enough! Whether sung or not.

Now - are you ready for this? - on the same day - today - I sat in the office of a service advisor for Belinda's car and happened to listen in as he talked on the phone to another client who had called him just as I'd walked in. "Sir, I think you need to bring the car in."  Then silence as he waited for the voice on the other end. Then, "what?" "You want me to listen." "Well, sir, I'll try."  Followed by silence as he tried to listen to the man's car over the phone. Then, "No sir, I can't hear anything."  "Really sir, if you will just bring the car in!!!" And on, and on, and on they went - with me hearing it all - most incredulously.

When he finally hung up I said to him, "I can't believe someone would actually want you to diagnose a car problem by listening to their engine over the phone!"  And he said, "Yes, pastor, you wouldn't believe what all I get asked to do. It's like someone wanting me to fix a pool without ever looking at their water." And... you guessed it, as I sat there looking at him I wanted to hide.  I'd been found out. Had he been reading my mail? Had he talked to my pool guy?

Now I've discovered that we are all like this at times.  We want an instant fix to what ails us, and we'll usually call everyone before calling that someone who can really help.

One of the questions I often ask my parishioners is, "have you prayed about this?" And I can usually tell by their response whether they have or haven't. To take something to God - to really ask Him for guidance and leadership - is a rare thing, even among we Christians. It seems we'll talk to almost anyone before we will the Real ONE who both cares and can help.

In our Bible God is pictured as many things - but one of the more consistent and comforting images is that of Shepherd.  In John's gospel we have Christ describing himself as the 'Good Shepherd' (John 10) - One who 'knows' His sheep.  So that an abundance of our difficulty in our real, everyday relationship with God seems to stem from us not practically realizing Who God Is, What He Does, and What this Means - to us.  He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep!  Amazing!

David wrote - "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want" - and he was able to write and know this because of how and what he learned as he trusted in God - often from a cave.   David saw God as his care-giver, and this changed his heart.

So the next time you have a 'green pool', like me, let's both try calling in a professional. What do you say? Perhaps if we do, this will change the tune we ALL sing.

(Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)


Pastor Sam

Jumping June-ipers

June is a wonderful month that I thoroughly enjoy. Like the Juniper tree named from the selfsame root (pun intended), it seems to offer hope, comfort and a certain kind of 'evergreen' grandeur.  Why?  Kids are out of school, graduation celebrations abound, and Pastor Sam finds himself with 'weddings a plenty!'  All of which do keep me jumping.

Tonight I will perform a wedding in downtown Dallas - and next Saturday I will attend to another of the same in Highland Park. Both of these are events I look forward to for the couples who will stand before me are each deeply committed to a marriage that will honor Him. What joy!  

This Sunday it will be our church's privilege to celebrate our High School Senior class of 2012, something I especially look forward to. In fact, I find it hard to imagine a Sunday with any greater, or more practical, 'church-family' significance. Graduating a class of young people whom we love and are committing to pray for before 'sending them off' - is a charge and responsibility of the highest order.  

In both the recent days past as well as the near weeks going forward, I will speak, pray, address, attend and be seated as a honored guest at such events as graduation exercises, weddings, Eagle Scout ceremonies, company retirement receptions, et. al.  At each I will have an opportunity to celebrate and/or speak on behalf of the person and their accomplishment, and share how they have honored God in such.   

I once heard a pastor say that he dreaded such occasions. That he found them a waste of time and worked hard to excuse himself by sending one of his associates to cover for him. I did not say anything, but I wish I had.  For I believe this 'pastor' to be quite wrong.  It is our privilege to be with our people as they celebrate the days of their lives.  In most cases they have not invited us out of duty but because they love us.  As well, they have more often done so to acknowledge their love for God.  So that attending is both a joy and fulfillment of our calling as pastors. 

Jesus once attended a wedding and as far as I know He was not even asked to speak, though he did aid in the celebration by performing a miracle.  He gave them new wine! As a pastor I want to be the same for those over whom God has given me charge.  Ministry is not performed from an ivory tower but out on the street - those painted in pain and those donned in celebration.  So I think I'll just go ahead and 'jump into June' by celebrating!  And, I'll pray for YOU! That you might know, as well - some... 

of the very same!

Pastor Sam