Following Christ

Approaching the end of a long, exhausting day, at the end of another long, exhausting week, just part of yet another long and draining liturgical season, it is tempting to question the point of all the effort expended. Why sit with those who are dying? Why laugh with those who celebrate the wonder of new birth? Why walk alongside those with so many questions, knowing there are no answers? Why seek to encourage others to experience the wonder of faith and worship? Why be constantly open to others' joy and pain and appreciation and censure?
Because our world, locally and globally needs to know the love of God. Love that is patient and kind. Love that does not envy or boast. Love that lasts for ever.
And so, while hierarchies posture and strategise, while the Church of Scotland as an institution reshuffles and reorganises ad infinitum and forgets that it is presbyterian, still God calls ordinary people to love and to serve. To use all that we have been given and all that we have learned in the service of the Kingdom. And when we see folk being rewarded disproportionately in this life and their skills seemingly valued over ours, yet we can know the satisfaction of practicing obedience. And be reminded of the path that Christ chose - a path that led not to greater renumeration or popular acclaim but to a cross.
And onward goes our Lenten journey.