Some of you reading this may be out traveling or thinking of going this summer to beat the Florida heat and humidity. Maybe you will visit national parks or forests. These times we are in seem perfectly suited to get away from it all. Shut out the news and the noise. Get back to nature and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. As tourists, you may have questions for the park or forest rangers. I came across some of the silliest ones. In these times, we can sure use some humor! I am certain that you, dear blog reader, would not be like these folks who are a few peas shy of a casserole.

”How many miles of undiscovered caves are there?”

“Are the national parks natural or man-made?”

“How come all of the war battles were fought in national parks?”

“When do they turn off the waterfalls?”

Our daughter Amy, in her job at the Disney Reservation Center, often fields some zingers. “Which park is Harry Potter at?” We Lutherans can sometimes feel as if our denomination of Christianity is perplexing to outsiders. Our congregation, like most still are, is populated by those of white Northern European ancestry. Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany – where the national church is Lutheran. “Why do you call yourselves Lutherans? What do you believe?” We have grown accustomed to these, and so many more. We are, in a sense, “Lutheran rangers.” Protecting and preserving our “environment.” Most of us volunteering. I think I have shared with you that when my Dad retired from public education at age 59 (one year older than me now), he and Mom planned to travel. They learned of a program for 55+-ers that wanted to work in national parks or forests. Your utilities and hook-ups for your campsite would be provided. You would work three days a week in the visitor’s center or wherever else they needed you. My parents spent three of the next five summers in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina. Talk about bee-yutiful! I was so happy for them (and a little envious). They made great friends and had the time of their lives exploring the majestic scenery of the southern portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mom and Dad have also done their time as “Lutheran rangers.”

We are summoned by the words of St. Paul to give an accounting for the hope that is in us. If needed, we politely entertain questions about our particular “brand” of faith. We claim that “we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Unlike park or forest rangers, we don’t have to enforce rules and regulations. We preserve, yes; but we also guide and lead others into the joyous discovery of God’s unconditional love. Hopefully, when someone asks us silly questions, we will resist the urge to groan inwardly and roll our eyes. Be grateful for their seeking. Be thankful for the opportunity to fulfill your Great Commission.

Pastor Art