Milestones...

A major milestone was established the night before the people of Israel fled the land of Egypt. On the night before their hasty departure, Moses commanded the people to celebrate God's provision and goodness, and their rescue from slavery in a very particular way. In Exodus, we read that the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month, each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household."
          God gave other instructions for food and preparations along with the command to slaughter a lamb. And then there was the command to establish a yearly milestone. Moses said to the people, "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come." Each year Jews celebrate Pesach, Hebrew for Passover or...a milestone in their
faith tradition.
           All of us experience milestones in our lives; those significant events that mark the passing of time and the re-shaping of our lives. Some milestones stir joy and gladness in us while others remind us of loss and challenging changes that occur perhaps against our will.
           On August 25, my Mom would have been 83-years-old. Those of us who have suffered a loss, which is probably all of us, know that the anniversary of a loved one's passing, their birthday, special holidays and other occasions stir fond memories and gently re-break the heart only to heal one more time.
          August 25 is also the last day that Therese Wahlstrom will be a member of the paid staff of Evergreen Lutheran Church. Her strong ministry over the last 22 years will remain a supportive memory for many of us who have had the privilege of working with her. Her retirement is a milestone...a significant event that will change Therese's life forever and will influence the staff of ELC in new and challenging ways.
          Last week, our recent High School graduates left for college. Those of you who said good bye to them are finding the house a bit quieter and your hearts longing for their presence even though
they have only been gone a week. Such an event re-shapes family life and is both exhilarating and heart breaking.
           This week our little people began another school year. For some of you, it's the first time you watched your little one board the bus or walk into a classroom that will profoundly affect their growth and development as a human being. Having them start school stirs you both to rejoice but also to grieve a little. Starting school is another milestone...your baby is growing up.
          This coming weekend, the Long Range Planning Committee, under the strong guidance of Lara Ewing Himber, will continue the process of shaping the future of our congregation's ministry and life together. They, along with a group of strong leaders, will create a vision of milestones...significant events that will challenge, bless and deepen our life together as the body of Christ.
           Our lives are a series of milestones: events that stir us, make us cry, help us to rejoice and remember that the events of our lives are held in the hands of a loving God. I look forward to another year of milestones with you. Many of them I will celebrate with you as part of the rhythm of the church year.  They offer us the soothing rhythm of life and give us cause for both celebration and remembrance. Many of the milestones will break open our hearts. But with each
re-breaking of our hearts comes the possibility of growth and change. Blessings on the coming year. Blessings on the milestones of your lives.