Landing on Our Feet

I've never researched how the phrase "landing on one's feet" came about. However, we've had many cats over the years and I'm going to jump to the conclusion that they have something to do with the origins of it. Hearing how it's normally used seems to indicate that someone "landed" in a good situation either through their own actions, someone other person's actions, or just plain luck.

When Suzanne and I arrived in Colbert twentysix years ago we certainly landed on our feet. We understand that the Superintendent assigned us to the church and that we didn't have anything to do with the decision. We know, however, that it wasn't just the Superintendent's choice, nor was it luck. God had everything to do with getting us to a place where we discovered "congregational love." It has been more than a privilege to serve here. It's been an honor. They put up with an impetuous young pastor and allowed him to, however raggedly, set the sails. To follow that analogy, it hasn't always been smooth sailing, but it has been wonderful working with such a group of Christians.

I have a new friend in a different denomination who pastored a church in another part of the country. He was just informed this week that they are "releasing him" (most people understand that to be fired). It hasn't been an easy tenure. He's been there several years and the situation can only be described as unfortunate. There may be other words that fit as well, but there is a great deal of hurt involved. Obviously, I don't know the whole story and I don't want to know more. The only point I'm trying to make is that Colbert is a special place. The people are special and they long to do the right thing. It's not only that they're concerned with people's feelings (there are lots of therapeutic groups that do that) they want to do what is best for all concerned. They are concerned about God's will, but, God cares about people. It is possible to do the "right thing" in the wrong way. We can also do the right thing with the wrong attitude. Colbert has been concerned with right things and right ways. God will bless this bunch!

We will only be here for another month. We're experiencing a lot of "lasts" these days. We have our last Council meeting tonight. We've been invited to people's homes for a "last supper" before we leave. We're fast approaching our last campout. We'll leave with a lot of dreams unfulfilled. However, the congregation has a lot of potentials yet to be realized. There are some disappointments - but there are also a lot of reasons for optimism. Colbert is moving to a new chapter in its history. It's going to be a good chapter.