Every day I read the blog written by a friend and colleague. David was a classmate of mine at Emmanuel College and is now the minister of the congregation that I served from 1993 to 2002. I really appreciate his reflections and insights and so make it a daily habit to check out his blog. In fact, his blog was the inspiration and model for me in writing what I write. He is just better at it because he writes a posting every day even Sunday!

He mentioned me in his blog yesterday because he and I share an anniversary. On May 25, 1980 we were ordained at the same ceremony. It was on the campus of Queen’s University on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. If I am remembering correctly there were about 18 of us Ordained and two were commissioned. It was a high moment in my life. My grandmother and a significant mentor joined in with the Conference officials to lay on hands an age old ritual at the time of Ordination.

 

So, thirty years have come and gone. Ministry is one of the few vocations that is referred to as ‘a calling’. We talk about being ‘called’ into ministry or receiving ‘the call’. It is old terminology but has richness about it that I think could and should be applied to almost any employment. If everyone was honoured in their work and found their work honourable I think that we would have a different respect for the many people that serve us throughout the day.

 

I have few regrets from my 30 years. It has been a career that has brought many blessings to me, not the least of which is the wonderful people that I have come to know. Throughout my years I have felt creative and useless; challenged and rewarded; exalted and humbled. The greatest gift of ministry is that it puts one into a place of privilege. I am not thinking of the kind of privilege that comes with wealth and success. But the privilege of standing with people at the powerful and holy moments of life’s transitions – birth, marriage, death – sacred times all. Perhaps the most significant gift of ministry is walking with people on their spiritual journey and catching glimpses of God.

 

I am blessed and I eagerly look forward to all that lies ahead as I continue to serve in ‘my calling’.