
This has become my favorite app, for it is a challenge to take that which I cannot see in full and put it together piece by piece, that in the end I am able to see how all the single pieces create the whole. Sometimes the puzzle is easy and sometimes it’s harder, but always I enjoy putting that last piece in place. It brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. If you’ve ever worked a puzzle, I think you know the feeling.

This role can also be live out on an individual basis in situations where people come to the pastor seeking an ear to listen, shoulder to cry on, or heart to help in the discernment process. It’s as if the individual pieces of the puzzle of one’s life are laid out, and with the Spirit’s help, the pastor is given the privilege of helping the person to connect the pieces together to reveal a coherent whole. Time and time again I’ve been blessed to be a part of the revealing of that picture with clarity. Such is the nature of the pastorate, but at least from my perspective, in order to be effected in that role, the pastor must be attentive to his/herself as well as their own past, present, and future.
This concept of a God-created puzzle of life has been realized in my own life through parishioners whom I’ve served being moved to the same town so that the pastoral connection continues in multiple settings. I have experienced it in the connections between current parishioners and those I’ve served in the past, and I have most recently experienced it through sharing pastoral care with a former parishioner whose parents live in the area. New Year’s Eve her father became ill and a week later was taken off life support where he eventually entered the Church Triumphant.
In sharing time with my friend and her family, I found myself again amazed at how God intertwined our lives long ago, so that we could journey together through these difficult days. In doing so, we were all blessed. The truth of “God’s intertwining” was revealed powerfully this past Tuesday at the culmination of the funeral and graveside service. Before I describe what happened, however, you need to know that my friend’s father was a dairyman.
Following the funeral the congregation made it’s way to the cemetery, and I noticed immediately that, as was appropriate, my friend’s father was being laid to rest at a grave closest to both the church as well as closest to the pulpit area (chancel) of the Church. Turning away from the church I looked out to see laid out farms, valleys, and mountains rolling on and on as far as my eyes could see. It was a beautiful sight, and when I placed all of those pieces together in my mind I couldn’t help but think about what an amazing and beautiful place to be laid to rest.
The pastor led the graveside service with the congregation surrounding the family. Words of comfort were spoken, prayers were raised, the commendation and the benediction were given, and the ending of the service was to be marked by the grandchildren each releasing a helium-filled balloon. Though the balloon release was powerful, God’s message didn’t come most powerfully in that simple act but through the mouths of cows.

We’ve just come through this season of Christmas and now find ourselves in the season of light, Epiphany. It is a season where we remember and share the truth that God came down to earth to proclaim His love for all. It is a time where the message of peace, joy, hope, and love is shared, so that all might hear God’s word of benediction and blessing.
Many know the phrase, “Out of the mouths of babes...,” but did you know it is scriptural? It’s taken from Psalm 8 and it is referenced by Jesus in Matthew 21: 16, and in both passages it references giving praise to God. However, it implies more than just praise, it implies a praise that overcomes evil and enemies as a stronghold of faith.
As I reflect upon God placing the puzzle pieces of the life of Curtis Cronise together, “Out of the mouths of cows” was a most fitting and meaningful tribute to God’s servant. It was a reminder to me that God really does bring things together in amazing ways, and if we are attentive and aware of God’s presence and action in our lives, there is praise that overcomes all things – even death – because God loves us that much.

When was the last time you made the time to reflect upon the pieces of your life? Pray that God will bring the pieces together so that you might see the big picture.
This is beautiful Tim, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTim, thank you so much for being there for my family and I and helping us put together the pieces of the life of the man who shaped my life in so many ways. I will miss him greatly!
ReplyDeleteLori