Last Saturday, I attended the annual Bishop’s Lenten Visitation. It wasn’t one of those “cordially commanded to attend” events, but definitely one that I as a pastor felt compelled to go to. And I am so glad I did! The many attendees got a chance to get to know our newly-elected Bishop, Pedro. He began by telling his “God story.” Some might call that a “come to Jesus” moment. We heard several others as well. It was a refreshing change from the usual, run-of-the-mill synodical gatherings that all tend to default to the usual “corporate message.” Pedro Suarez is an authentic, real, down-to-earth proclaimer of the Good News.

I wondered what I might describe as my “God story”, that “coming to Jesus experience.” Was it when I was an acolyte, and I observed the influence our pastor had, leading the worship and preaching? Was it hearing Ephesians 2:8-10 at the precise time in my life when I wasn’t sure I had faith? Was it realizing that gay people are not evil, automatically condemned by God for all eternity? Was it holding my newborn daughter? There have been many other “God winks” that I could refer to. The fact that the Navy’s Chief Petty Officer selection boards passed me over seven times, thereby forcing me to retire at 20 years – that could be it. For if that had not happened, had I made Chief, I would have stayed in longer and might have abandoned my dream of being a pastor. God stories are those certain moments when you just know that the Holy Spirit is working in your life, steering your ship, boat, canoe, or kayak into the right channel. I believe that God’s story is that ongoing voice in Scripture, blending with each of us and in community. God. You. Me. Us. Each time we tell it, as the beloved hymn goes, it gets “more wonderfully sweet.”

God’s story of love for us is certain. It is unconditional.

Pastor Art