This past weekend was my 30th college reunion at Emory & Henry in Virginia. It was a beautiful weekend, and I enjoyed seeing and catching up with some of my classmates, many of whom I hadn’t connected with in several years. I also enjoyed visiting some of my familiar haunts, including the chapel that’s at the heart of campus. In the back of the chapel, above the balcony, there is this stained-glass window that I have always found myself drawn to. I love the image of Jesus with one arm around the shoulders of an apparently uncertain young man, pulling him into a side-hug, and the other arm confidently pointing in a direction in which the young man should possibly go, providing clarity in the midst of a very busy, even chaotic backdrop. Perhaps this window resonates so much with me because I was an uncertain young man when I was in college. I wasn’t sure the direction in which I should go. I had sensed a calling into ministry, but I also felt like I needed to keep my options open. My dad died of cancer my senior year, which only deepened the sense of uncertainty and chaos. How I wished that Jesus would have simply shown up, put his arms around my shoulder, and pointed out to me the way he wanted me to go. Or maybe he had been doing that and this window was the sign I had been praying for, even though I couldn’t see it as such at the time. Looking back now from the perspective of 30 years, I believe I can see that Jesus has been by my side all along, with one arm to be my comfort and the other to be my compass. I can also see that there have been several others along the way—mentors, colleagues, friends—who have been the arms of Jesus for me, who have put their arm around me and have pointed out a way forward for me in the name of Jesus. How about you? How have you experienced the comforting presence of Jesus with you, and the confident guidance of Jesus, especially in times of uncertainty or chaos? Who in your life has been the arms of Jesus for you, providing comfort and pointing a way forward for you? And for whom might you provide comfort and a compass today in the name of Christ?

One of the primary ways in which I experience the spirit of worship is through music. This probably began when I was an often un-cherubic kid singing in the Cherub Choir in my home church. It continued when I sang in the Concert Choir when I was in college and in the chapel choir when I was in seminary. And that is why I have tried to sing in the choirs at the churches where I’ve served, because music is one of the main ways I connect with God and with my fellow worshipers. Whether it’s listening to the Crest band perform an arresting arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision” like they did last Sunday, catching Michael’s subtle nod to a beloved hymn or occasionally a popular tune in his prelude, hearing Andrew proclaiming “It Is Well With My Soul,” or trying my best to follow along with the bass line in the weekly anthem (you know how us basses often know neither what page we’re on nor what song we’re singing!), music feeds my spirit and stirs my soul. I don’t know if the Apostle Paul liked to sing or not, but perhaps I am detecting a choral allusion in one of his letters to one of the first-century churches. Toward the end of his magisterial letter to the church in Rome, after discussing at some length how we can stay connected with other Christians while staying true to our convictions, he offers this prayer: “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6-7 NRSV). Did you catch those choral terms: “live in harmony with one another…so that together you may with one voice…”? Paul is juxtaposing, holding together, both harmony and unison at the same time! Harmony is using the various gifts that God has given each one of us to the best of our abilities. It’s singing the part that suits our particular voice—whether it is in the high rafters with the sopranos or the bargain basement with the basses—as well as we can. And when each one of us does that, Paul’s prayer suggests, then it all comes together and in unison we can “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I’ve certainly had moments in worship—and maybe you have too—when I’m singing my part with all the gusto I can muster, and then it seems like my own voice just gets lost in the midst of all the other voices singing together, and it becomes one—one great and glorious offering of praise and thanksgiving and glory and honor to God in the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. And that, my friends—that is worship!

I’m composing this week’s meditation on my 52nd birthday (I guess now I can say I’m playing with a full deck of cards!). And even though I have seriously considered, from time to time, just completely shutting down my Facebook page, one of the things I enjoy about it is receiving all these birthday greetings from family members and friends from all across the various chapters of my life, from my childhood church’s preschool through college and seminary and now twenty-five years of ministry. I cherish the connections that each greeting brings to mind. Our church staff gathered for a staff retreat last Friday. We met in the Gold Room over at Alexian. It was nice to be away from the phones and the screens and just be together. Our leader, Rev. Carol Wilson, led us in an exploration of how we can cultivate an emotionally healthy climate here among our staff and with our congregation. One of the exercises involved each of us picking from a word list the top five feelings that we want to feel in order for us to be successful in our particular ministry. My top word was “connected.” For me to be successful in my ministry, I need to feel connected. “Connected” happens to be a good Methodist word. It’s a word that describes our church polity, the way we’re organized as a denomination. We’re not a congregational kind of church that’s independent of others and out there by ourselves; we’re a connectional church. We’re connected with other churches in our district, our conference, and even all around the world. We like to be, and to feel, connected. I wonder if we’re actually created by God for connection—connection with God and with one another. We’re created in the image of God, whose very nature, as a Trinity, is a connection. And when God said after creating Adam and just before creating Eve, “it is not good for the human to be alone, I will make him a helper as his partner,” I wonder if that’s really a way of saying it’s not good for us to be disconnected. We’re made for connection. Feeling connected isn’t simply about being around other people. I’ve found that I can feel disconnected even when I’m around a lot of other folks. Likewise, I know some people who live alone but are some of the most deeply and broadly connected people I’ve ever met. What about you? Are you someone who likes to feel connected? Who are some of the connections in your life that you especially cherish? Will you take a moment today to let them know (even if it’s not their birthday on Facebook!)? Is there anyone with whom you might feel a nudge to reconnect after some time or distance? And is there someone in your current orbit who might especially enjoy becoming connected with you? How can you connect with others today in the name of the Christ who came to connect with us?

There’s a statement of Jesus that’s been rolling around in my mind these past few weeks. It’s from Jesus’ most famous sermon, the so-called “Sermon on the Mount.” Here’s what he said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’” (Matthew 5:43). Even though nowhere in the scripture are we ever commanded to hate our enemies; that was simply apparently what was being taught and modeled by the leadership in Jesus’ day. “But I say to you,” Jesus goes on to say, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Luke’s version of Jesus’ words in this sermon are even more detailed and demanding: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27-28). Jesus’ words cut against our natural inclinations, our team loyalties and tribal orientations. But Jesus goes on to remind us that God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:45-48). Perfect? That can seem like too tall an order, out of reach for mere mortals. But the word doesn’t mean sinless or flawless. It means mature. Not childish, but grown-up. Adult. More like our heavenly parent. I wonder, after witnessing some of the ugly chants and meanness of the fans at the Ryder Cup golf competition this past weekend, what it would look like to take Jesus’ words to heart and love our opponents, pray for them, act for their well-being? As I write these words, our government is still in a shut down. What would it look like for people on opposing sides of the political aisle to pray for the other, to seek to bless them rather than curse them? And with the big Baylor-McCallie football game coming up this Friday…well, it just might be the “perfect” time to practice the kind of radical love Jesus commends.

When I plan to spend two hours with a group of fourth and fifth graders at church, I purposefully run scenarios in my mind of what might go wrong. It’s part of my planning. I think somewhere along the way I do actually prevent a few things from happening, but mostly whatever goes wrong were things I never saw coming. Mind you, “what might go wrong” are minor; like no available paper towels to clean up the jug of pink lemonade that was dropped because it was so heavy, or someone denting a ping pong ball when they stepped on it reaching for another ping pong ball. I sometimes let my mind wander during this planning to what might go well. I’m not particularly good at that either. Meaning, I never accurately predict the “what might turn out really great.” And I’m glad about that, because when things go well, I know the Fruits of the Spirit are alive and at work in us and have greater impact that I could have ever imagined. That’s what we have been focusing on, the Fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 reads, “But the Spirit gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” We have agreed that sometimes one of these fruits may be more important than another. We have also agreed that sometimes we are better at enacting one of these fruits than another. Some of these fruits are hard! Some do not come easily! When we are mad, it’s is surely difficult to show kindness. And when we are told harshly to “be kind! Share!” it takes the steam out of any desire to do so. Last Sunday, however, we settled down with a pencil and paper, selected some fruits of the spirit, and wrote a haiku about it/them. Every single kid in the room knew what form haiku poetry takes (3 lines; 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables). (Thanks, school!) Just about everyone wanted theirs read aloud. Check these out: PEACE GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, PATIENCE Sometimes you must find I am generous Peace in the demanding world I am faithful to Jesus Have love for people I am patient now PATIENCE PEACE, FAITHFULNESS, PATIENCE You should wait in line We must have world peace It is good to not be first Be faithful no matter what You wait for your turn Be patient in church SELF-CONTROL GENTLENESS I can control me Be gentle to all I can only control myself Show gentleness with your words That is the best way It really matters KINDNESS GENEROSITY Kindness is the best Giving stuff is nice Kindness makes you feel better I like to share stuff with friends Show kindness, not anger Share with everyone FAITHFULNESS LOVE Be faithful to God I like to give love Have faith in Jesus, our Lord Give love on Valentine's Day Have faith in the world Be loving to all Did you catch any of that wisdom, by chance? “Show gentleness with your words – it really matters.” “I can only control myself – that is the best way.” “We must have world peace – be faithful no matter what.” These kids, our kids, are living out the fruit of the Spirit—bringing love, joy, peace and goodness to me, our church, and are way beyond any plan or consideration of what might go wrong Sunday evening, or what might turn out great. Let their haikus touch you, and know the Holy Spirit is working through these children. Even with sticky floors and ping pong balls that won’t roll or bounce, our children are blessing us profoundly. Tracy

“I’d be curious to know…” This simple phrase can be incredibly helpful whenever we encounter someone who thinks or feels very differently about something than we do. It’s a phrase that Jim Henderson and Jim Hancock recommend in their book 3 Practices for Crossing the Difference Divide. The authors acknowledge the deep division and polarization in our society. We don’t really talk to those on the other side of whatever differences divide us. We don’t trust each other. Instead, we traffic in stereotypes and labels. We’ve lost our sense of curiosity and wonder. And sadly, it seems some are resorting to using their weapons more than their words. These authors are trying to coach us in some very practical ways that we can use our words to connect across the chasms between us. For several years, they have used what they call “3Practice Circles” in a variety of organizational and institutional settings to create safe spaces for people to talk about sensitive subjects like race, gender, faith, and politics. The aim of these circles is not agreement. It’s not to try to get anyone to change their minds or to prove anyone wrong. It’s simply to listen, understand, and stay connected across our differences. These circles—whether in-person or online—follow the same format. They start with an effective “framing question” about the topic to be explored. Then participants are given up to two minutes each to respond to the framing question if they want to (no one is required to respond). Then the others in the circle can respond to the speaker with a “clarifying question.” This is where the phrase “I’d be curious to know…” is used. The purpose of the clarifying questions is not to argue or attack but to better understand the speaker’s perspective. Then the speaker has up to a minute to respond to that question. When everyone has had a chance to ask a clarifying question, a new speaker can then respond to the framing question. And so it goes until everyone has had an opportunity to respond to the topic. There are a couple of trained referees in the circles who manage the clock and ensure the responses and questions are appropriate. The circle closes with participants being invited to say “thank you” to someone else in the group for something that they shared or the spirit in which they shared it or the courage it took for them to share it. One of the great things about this phrase “I’d be curious to know…” is its portability. It’s not just useful for formal circles but for informal occasions, like when Uncle Bob says something predictably triggering at the Thanksgiving table, or your kid’s teammate’s parent says something politically charged on the sidelines, or a fellow church member offers a different opinion in your small group. It’s a phrase you can try at home! I’m hoping to participate in one of the upcoming training sessions to help facilitate these kinds of circles. Let me know if you’d be interested in being trained as well. I imagine we all can benefit from learning how to cultivate a greater curiosity that can help us better understand one another across our differences. For more information on the 3 Practices, visit https://3practices.com.

A day or so after the fourth of July, this minion figurine appeared on my desk in my office at the church. Its name was Dave, and I could tell from all the warning labels on the back that it was a firework. I wondered how it might have gotten there, but then I remembered that our custodians Wanda and Arnold sell fireworks in a tent out on Taft Highway. The next time I saw them I asked them if they knew anything about how Dave the minion firework appeared on my desk, and they played all coy, but I knew better! Our Nominations Team met this week, and as I was trying to think of a devotional to kick off our meeting, my eyes fell upon Dave the minion firework. I tell you, it was a moment of inspiration! The devotional—or the “Dave”-otional—that I shared with them was that the folks we are approaching to ask to serve on the various leadership teams and committees in the church are kind of like this minion firework. Right now, they’re all potential. They’ve got all that energy and enthusiasm stored up inside. They’re like the prophet Jeremiah: they’ve got “a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9). But our hope and our prayer is that they will just light up when they’re asked to serve, that they will sparkle, that they will shimmer, that they will bring joy to others, and that in this dark world they will shine bright with the light of Christ. So when the meeting was over, there was really only one thing left to do: go out in the parking lot and light old Dave the minion right up! Who says church meetings can’t be fun! My hope and my prayer is that you are serving Christ in a way that lights you up, that kindles the fire that the Holy Spirit has placed in your heart and life, and that shares light and hope and joy with others. Let me know if you’d like to talk about this or explore some opportunities for what that might look like for you. I mean, who wants to feel like a minion when we can sparkle like a firework!

I’m finally having to retire my old wooden bat. It cracked the other night in our first tournament game in the men’s church softball league. Before my first game with it two years ago, Drew kidded me that he didn’t think I’d get a hit with it. He even said he’d buy my lunch if I did. Turns out, I got a hit on my very first at-bat with it! I’ve been using that bat ever since. Players from the opposing team often kid me about my wooden bat, too. For example, John, the catcher for St. Augustine, always instructs the outfielders to come in when I step up to the plate, which just inspires me even more to find the hole. I like to tell him and all the other skeptics and doubters that Jesus used a wooden bat. I’ve been called “Roy Hobbs” (after the main character of the finest baseball movie ever made, The Natural) and my bat referred to as “Wonder Boy” (the name of Roy’s wooden bat). But I’m grateful that my fellow Holey Sox teammates have treated it with respect. I’ve offered to let them use it, too, but they’re all afraid they’d break it, and none of them wanted that hanging over their heads! So the other night at my last at-bat, I popped one up, but it sounded weird. My teammates immediately said, “Sounds like you’ve got a cracked bat.” We carefully inspected it, and sure enough, there was a crack in the handle. But it still managed to bring a runner home on its last hurrah, so you could say it went down swinging! The origin of this bat remains somewhat clouded in my mind, but I believe it came into my hands around 1980, when I was about 6 years old. My brother and I used some S&H Green Stamps (the young people might need to Google what those were) to purchase some baseball gloves and equipment. That bat got a lot of use for several years in the playing field in our neighborhood, and then it stood silent in our family’s garage for decades until we cleaned out the house in 2018 to get it ready to sell. That’s when I found that old bat again and realized I couldn’t part with it but wanted it in my garage. So when I got called up to the church softball league in summer 2023, I knew it was time to get it back out again. That old bat has gotten me thinking about something Jesus said. He was teaching a bunch of parables, which are stories about what the kingdom of heaven is like. Stories about seeds, about weeds and wheat, about precious pearls and such. He wraps it all up by asking his disciples if they’ve understood any of it. They say they do. And then he told them “every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52). There’s a lot of new things in this world, and we can give thanks for a lot of them. But there are still a few old things lying around, too. Things that have stood the test of time. Things that don’t break or crack under pressure. Things like faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We’d drive ourselves batty, wooden we, if we let go of these things?

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to boat down the Hiwassee River with Russell Hill, one of our church members, along with his brother and nephew. I had kayaked down the Hiwassee a few times, but the last time I went I swamped my flatwater kayak going through one of the rapids. So Russell asked me if I’d like to try one of his open-boat canoes. I thought that sounded like fun. A new adventure! So we loaded up the boats one Friday morning and headed for the river. Along the way, he gave me an orientation on how canoeing is different from kayaking. Kayakers use a double-bladed paddle which allows you to paddle on both sides of the boat, but canoeists use a single-bladed paddle, which will get you going in circles if you don’t know what you’re doing! He said paddling in a straight line will be the hardest thing I’ll learn to do, and he was right. He showed me how to do it though, and after some practice in that first stretch of the river, I began to get the hang of it. As we approached each of the small class 1 and 2 rapids, he would give me a little orientation to how we would navigate them. Then he simply said to me, “Follow me.” And I did the best I could to follow the exact line through the rapids that he did. By the end of the afternoon, I hadn’t swamped my boat or fallen out of it a single time! I consider that a successful—and fun—river ride! Russell said he couldn’t count the number of times he’d gone down the Hiwassee River. Possibly 150 times or more. He’s long since graduated up to much rougher, tougher rivers like the Ocoee and the Nantahala. He’s quite the skilled river runner, in the same “boat” (so to speak) as some other church members like Bill Mitchum, Henry Allen, and Hugh Bullock. Russell was an experienced guide and a patient teacher. And he led me down the river with two simple words: “Follow me.” In other words, go where I go. Do what I do. I’ll lead you safely through. It just so happens that “follow me” are the same two simple words Jesus has been saying to folks in boats since the days of Simon and Andrew, James and John (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17). He says these two words at least twenty different times across the Gospels. And they are among his last words to his disciples; he told Peter no less than two times at the end of John, “Follow me” (John 21:19, 22). Just like the Hiwassee River, our lives can sometimes roll along pretty smoothly, and other times there can be some bumps, some choppy waters. But the call is the same. Follow me. Go where I go. Do what I do. I’ll lead you safely through.