GA06095

Keeping perspective …

by William Ross Forbes

BIRMINGHAM, June 20 — Over the course of my parish ministry, I often said that if I did not get to the hospital in any given week, it was easy to forget what was really basic to life and ministry. Simply stated, it is very easy to get caught up in matters that seem so important, but in the grand scheme of God's plan for the world and our lives aren't really THAT important.

"Life is a terminal condition." … "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." … "Don't sweat the small stuff." … "We are but one test result away from our lives being turned upside down." … All of those phrases have passed from my lips with ease and conviction. Last fall they took on new meaning when I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a very sobering prognosis for the future.

Seven months later, following rigorous chemotherapy, radiation, major surgery and additional follow-up treatments, those phrases have even greater meaning.

I have attended 36 General Assemblies. I know that what we do here as a church is exceedingly important. But perhaps we need a reminder about what is really important and basic, to what it means to know and love Jesus Christ, and attempt to serve him.

I have presided at hundreds of witness-to-the-resurrection services. I have visited friends and strangers in thousands of hospital rooms. I have had tens of thousands of opportunities over the course of a lifetime in random encounters to witness about the reality of Jesus Christ in my life. And so have most of us.

The business we consider in our General Assemblies is important. The same can be said for any presbytery, synod, or session's docket. But what is REALLY important is more basic. How have I related and cared for those with whom I have come into contact today? Have I told my spouse how much I love and care for him or her? Have I told my children and grandchildren the same? Have I prayed for those who are in any particular need today – members of my congregation, family, circle of friends, the poor, the homeless, the imprisoned, those facing surgery? Have I reflected on how incredible the gift of life really is? Have I given thanks for the multitude of blessings in my life?

The outpouring of prayer and support I have received from across the church over the past seven months has overwhelmed me. Hardly a day has passed when I did not receive cards, letters and emails encouraging me and reminding me that I was on the intercessory prayer list of countless congregations. On the darkest of days, those expressions lifted my spirits. On lighter days, my spirits soared!

So, what are the lessons learned? What we do on our journeys of faith is exceedingly important as we seek to be faithful. The issues faced by any General Assembly really do matter, but what is really important and essential are the things we so often take for granted. We must not lose our zeal and enthusiasm for those issues facing the church. At the same time, our first priority can and should be those we encounter today.

Reach out to one another. Love one another. Pray for one another without ceasing, and let people know you are praying for them. Pray for our church. Comfort those in need. Attempt to be Christ-like in all your interactions. Smile and laugh more. Frown less. Smell the fragrances of life. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Slow down.

God bless all who reach out to those around them each day.