Notes from Jan

This Calls for an Inside Job

March 21, 2016

Today’s snowfall plopped heavily on springtime’s bravest bloomers.  Cars crawled along the beach road.  No surfers or walkers. An inside kind of day.

When Father Patrick called several weeks ago, inviting me to preach during Holy Week services at Christ Church in Hamilton(Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights), I felt stunned.  After years of being asked to speak, teach, share or tell a story, this word preach felt like a poor fit, like being something I wasn’t. Patrick didn’t blink at my dis-ease.

So here I sit,   just a few days from giving the sermon at the Maundy Thursday service, then  preaching  on Friday and Saturday.  For a second generation Baptist preacher’s kid, this is daunting.  It’s wonder-full, frightening, humbling.  I grew up singing, tell me the stories of Jesus.  These days of preparation, of learning how Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil need each other, remind me I need an inside job before I climb up into that pulpit and climb I must.

Today’s an inside kind of day. Time to move from tell me the stories of Jesus to write on my heart every word.

An inside job.

Lord, have mercy.

 

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9 Comments

  • Reply Myrna Bayer March 21, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Based on your blogs with so much food for thought, I have every confidence you will do a great job later this week. Praying you not only will bless those present, but that you will receive a blessing as well!

  • Reply Jo Kadlecek March 21, 2016 at 11:53 pm

    You go, Girl! The world needs more preachers like you.
    (Have loved your writing here, btw!)

  • Reply Patrick Gray March 21, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    Looking forward to it!

  • Reply Marty Lefever March 22, 2016 at 1:07 am

    Praying in MI for God to write on your heart every word…wish I could there!!!

  • Reply Dale Lefever March 22, 2016 at 1:14 am

    Well, here am I Lord, send Jan. You will honor the Lord – but keep your head covered in the church. 🙂

    Love, Dale

  • Reply Becky Manseau Barnett March 22, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Oh I wish I could be there! Love it!!

  • Reply Wendy Lane March 22, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Father Patrick is a very wise man!!!! Praying for you! May God fill you with His Holy Spirit, and give you just the right amount of His perfect peace that keeps you relying on Him, but not anxious at all. <3

  • Reply Shelly Travis March 22, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    Praying for your inside day and the messages God will bring through you! God bless you this Holy Week!

  • Reply Sharon Eaton March 23, 2016 at 12:02 am

    Wish I could be there Jan. God always seems to give you just the right words to speak to our hearts. Wishing you a blessed Easter.

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