When I was 15 years old, I was the most reluctant member of a mission team to Kenya. When my priest popped his head into my father’s car to ask me if I would serve, I agreed with my fingers crossed behind my back. I said “yes,” simply to avoid having to see his disappointment when I said “no.” I’ll get out of this, I remember thinking. Surely, I can get out of this.
As the preparation for the trip began, I remained calm. Through Sunday afternoon mission team meetings, fundraising dinners, and trips to the Health Department to receive my immunizations, I remained ensconced in denial. It’s fine. I thought. I won’t actually have to go. I still have time.
It wasn’t until I stood in line to board the plane out of DFW that I realized I was actually going to Kenya. Sometimes, the things to which we are most resistant are that to which God is most strongly calling us.
That trip changed my life forever. The friendships which began with the orphans (who are now amazing young women!), the staff who support them, and the couple who founded and run the Home remain among of the greatest blessings of my life. They have taught me more than I can ever express, lessons which have sustained me not only in the years of continued service in Kenya but also in parish in ministry. It turns out, the whole world is God’s mission field.
There is one lesson I want to share with you today:
At the end of every day, on every mission trip, the team gathers to pray and reflect. Our conversation centers around these three questions: What was good about today? What was hard about today? Where did you see God? We don’t ask missioners if they saw God. We believe that you encounter God each and every day, especially when you answer his call to serve. Instead, it is our job to learn to notice God at work around us.
These questions contain a little miracle. The more steadily you ask them, the more dependably you find yourself able to notice God at work with you and in you.
Shortly after I was ordained, I started asking myself these questions at the end of every day. I find that they help me keep my eyes clear in the muddy work of ministry.
So, where have I seen God at Good Shepherd?
I have seen God in a community which is grounded in unflagging joy.
I have seen God around the dinner table, as we dream about what could be in this place.
I have seen God in our college students who are brave and curious and whip smart.
I have seen God in lay ministers who have fallen in love with God at his Altar.
I have seen God in the children who call this place home.
I have seen God in the countless hours you spend in service each month.
I have seen God in a community which is growing every day.
I have seen God in our music, which draws us into the beauty of holiness.
I have seen God in your joyful willingness to try something new.
I have seen God in your hospitality of newcomers, myself included.
I have seen God in the strangers who become friends through the Daily Office.
I have seen God in the new members who walk through our doors.
I have seen God in the loving support we have received from our diocese.
I have seen God in your generosity, without which nothing we do would be possible.
I have seen God in you.
Over the next several weeks, as we move in our annual Stewardship Campaign, you will read messages from members of our community as they reflect on where they have seen God at Good Shepherd. There is no better way to begin our season of gratitude and generosity! And, as you begin to think and pray about your pledge for 2027, I hope that you will consider where you have seen God at work in our beloved parish.