Some of you dear blog readers know at least a bit of my back story. I felt a desire to be a pastor as a youngster. Music got a hold of me and, long story short, I deferred that desire for a later date. God had a perfect sense of timing to match my delay. When I “grew up” and retired life as a Navy trombonist, I (He) knew it was time to lay that life to rest. I had just enough spiritual gifts to make my long-awaited second career a blessing; not work at all.

In Holy Baptism, we embark on a Christian vocation. I may be called by the Church into an ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament, but many of you are every bit as fervent in your faith as me. H. George Anderson was presiding Bishop of the ELCA from 1995-2001. Both stressful and satisfying to be the spiritual leader of 5.2 million Lutherans, he had the humility to say, “he who seeks this job deserves this job”. He was lifted up because of the Holy Spirit’s influence. As a disciple of the living Lord, he followed in faith and trust that he would be well-equipped by Him.

In the work force of life, any and every vocation can see your greatest passion, gifts, and skills meet the world’s greatest needs. It is then that your job, whether it’s paid or volunteer, brings the greatest JOY! It never feels like work when you are serving the Most High. Unconditional love is what we receive as payment. The “employee” benefits are out of this world.

Pastor Art