Roy’s Ramblings
As a pastor, for almost thirty years now, I’ve been asked a multitude of questions; ranging from: What to expect in the afterlife … to … Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons? There have been questions that have made me really stop and ponder and others that I have learned the answers along the way and that I could answer immediately. Questions have come from folks wanting answers to deep theological questions that have required multiple sessions and many hours of dialogue and discussion as well as questions about denomination issues on how/why we do a certain thing a certain way. I have found that there is never a shortage of questions. (But, there are many, many times I don’t have any answers.)
So this Sunday, the sermon focusses on asking questions, asking the right questions, seeking answers, seeking truth and most importantly on praying for those answers. We think of Jesus as the answer (or at least the place to find answers). But to be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers 3. Asking questions was central to Jesus’ life and teachings. In fact, for every question he answers directly he asks—literally—a hundred.
So, where do we find our answers? Many times (not always) we know the answer to our questions … we just need to search our minds, our experiences, our traditions, our examples, and our circle of friends to be able to reason out life and our life questions. But in doing this we need a mentor, or a coach, or a counselor or a trusted friend that we can use as a sounding board and guide to figure out some answers.
How does prayer work into this? We also need calm, peace, and a spiritual guide. Through prayer, we clear our minds and focus; through prayer we use words that are comfortable and familiar; through prayer we invite the Spirit of God to enter into us as a guide and as an advocate; through prayer we stop talking and start listening.
We all have questions and as we age these questions change. We all want answers and as we age or patience level changes. We all want the blessings of God and as we age … well … this one doesn’t seem to change. So, as I stop rambling, I ask you this question: What are your questions??
Be Blessed, So that You May Bless Others – Pastor Roy
