Standing at a Crossroads

16 This is what the LORD says: "Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls."  Jeremiah 6:16 + New Living Translation

All of us have encountered a time in our lives when we are confronted with a major decision that would affect our families, our daily living and our work. To make such an important decision I know you have prayed and brought your request for guidance to your Lord. How else could we, encountering a crossroad, move in the right direction?
          Over the past 6 weeks or so I have been confronted with such a decision. In April, the Rocky Mountain Synod will prayerfully and wisely elect a new Bishop to serve the people of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. I was one of a group of pastors nominated for that position. With the help of some good friends, intentional prayer time, deep reflection and, as
Jeremiah suggests, "looking around" at my life with my Mark Daniel and my life at Evergreen Lutheran Church, I have decided to decline the nomination and any further pursuance of the office of Bishop. Not sure this decision will bless all of you, but most of you will be delighted that we will continue to walk together as a faithful people on our holy hill where collectively we will bless our mountain communities and find rest for our souls.
           I can't imagine serving another congregation. After last Sunday's ordination and our collective celebration, I decided that this place has enough Spirit and soul of 10 congregations. How could a Pastor in her right mind, take a road other than the one that leads to a deeper relationship with her church and her Lord? And so at this writing, I continue to pledge myself to serve you. I also pledge to continue to work for a healthier perspective and pastorate. I ask God to make me tender, loving and kind as I spend the coming years serving this very special church. And I ask God to draw you close, too, not just to me, but to your brothers and sisters who have the same heart for God and for life. One way we draw closer to each other is to commit to worship faithfully and study fervently the Word of God.
            On Ash Wednesday we enter the season of Lent once again our foreheads covered with ashes in the shape of a cross. We move into a holy season of reflection about our lives, our pasts, our
futures and our brokenness. On February 22, we stand at a crossroads; we can either fully enter into this penitential season hoping our hearts will be tenderly, lovingly and powerfully shaped by the journey or we can walk another road which won't lead us to the cross, the tomb and beyond to full life in Jesus.
          My prayer is that you would make a renewed commitment, as I have, to Evergreen Lutheran Church and her members. We are all standing at the crossroad. May our decision lead us to travel the old, godly way that will bless us with rest for our souls. God bless your Lenten journey. God bless you.