Sudden Changes for the Birthday Boy

The theme for this week is how plans can suddenly change.  I know I’ve blogged about that before, but I want to think about changing plans today through the lens of my oldest son, Bereket.

Bereket turns 19 today.  Happy Birthday, Bereket!  But the way we were going to celebrate this milestone has suddenly changed.  We were supposed to be on the road right now, driving to Duluth to drop him off at school.  He was supposed to be celebrating his first night as a 19-year-old enjoying his new life as a college freshman.

But alas, the University of Minnesota Duluth made an important decision on Monday.  They aren’t as ready for students as they thought.  So, move-in dates have been postponed for at least 2 week and classes will be 100% online.  So, Bereket gets to stay put in his parents’ basement.

Life is full of surprises and changes.  And it’s full of challenges, too.  I bet right now, most of you reading this can think of a few ways your life has been recently changed.  And maybe a few examples of how it will soon see significant change, too.

But God is with us in the midst of life’s changes and challenges.  He doesn’t promise us a life free of obstacles.  But He does promise to journey with us through them.

I’ll be reflecting this Sunday on the specific challenges of following a Messiah who dies on a cross – and challenges us to take up our crosses and follow him, too.  Our calling as followers of Christ is to put the needs of others before ourselves.  Humility, service about self, love without limits, often mean that life is complex and challenging.  But Christ leads the way.

So wherever you are in the journey today, I hope Christ will lead you.  Not necessarily to the safe place – put to the place where you can be put to work for the sake of your neighbor … even if that means life suddenly changes.

Blessings on the ever-changing journey, my friends!

P.S. – We’re planning another parking lot service on Sunday, August 30 at 9:30am.  And if you haven’t registered for a sanctuary service September 13, 20, 27, or October 4, do so soon (https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/sanctuary-worship-registration).  AND, if you haven’t heard, we’re in the middle of a 40-days e-giving challenge where electronic gifts receive a 50% match!  Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

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