PASTOR’S CORNER

Scotland’s greatest poet wrote, “ The best laid plans o’mice an’ men Gang aft agley.” We’d prefer to say, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray,” or “ go oft’ astray.” These words from a 1786 poem, “To a Mouse,” carry a lot of truth. Robert Burns was no Christian thinker or theologian, but I appreciate him nonetheless.

I planned to miss one Sunday Service in Littlefield to take a flight to St. Louis and back, but missed three Sunday Services. Why? I came back with Covid. When I left I was prepared at church for the odd chance I might miss one extra Sunday (thinking about weather), but was not expecting to be stuck at home for two added Sundays.

A colleague of mine said, “It seems like God shuffles the deck so it won’t get boring.” I told him this is not good theology. After all, God knows the end from the beginning. However, it does feel that way on our end.

Our plans do not always go as we hope. Personally, I believe in planning. Yet, I know God shows Himself to be God by using our plans in ways very different from how we intend. Does this mean, “Don’t plan?” Of course not! Plan with humility and be flexible.

There is some irony in all this. I was taking a one week class on transitions in churches and ministry. We were talking about big changes that often take place in church life. Anxiety in such times runs high. Yet, we need recall that change takes place throughout life. Some changes bring anxiety. This is true for individuals or congregations. Yet, all change is an opportunity to trust in the One who died for us and conquered death in His bodily resurrection.

(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)