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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"What Are You Building Now?"
August 9, 2007
I walked into the Otis Library earlier this summer and was overwhelmed
by the changes that had taken place. I should have expected this because I
knew the whole building had been gutted and rebuilt from the ground up.
Yet, I was still unprepared for what I saw. The new lobby was absolutely
beautiful. It was so open and inviting that it immediately made you feel
welcome and drew you in to see what other treasures were hidden beyond
the portals that flowed from the grand entryway.
I turned the corner and walked down a few steps into the main reading
room. The smiling faces of the librarians greeted young and old alike as
they sought to introduce them to the world of literature. Young people
were scattered throughout the area engaged in reading or in utilizing the
library's computer system. I saw a mother quietly reading to her
daughters. I noticed what appeared to be a tutoring session between an
older woman and a teen aged boy. I saw a young man searching the
stacks for a book. He already had three in his arms and imagined him
working on an assignment for a class at Three Rivers.
As I crossed the lobby and headed upstairs, I paused to think what a
blessing this institution was to the community. In the Children's Library,
there was a program in progress and several children were engaged in
story time. The reader brought the characters in the book alive and the
children were leaning forward as if to drink in every word. As I walked to
the back of the library I peeked in at the office of Literacy Volunteers. I
thought about the countless number of new residents in our community
who would be learning the English Language from men and women who
gave their time to this task.
The new Otis Library is a special place. As I was getting ready to leave, I
mentioned how beautiful the building was to one of the librarians. She
replied without losing a beat, "Well thank you. We wouldn't be here today
without your support." I smiled and walked out the door but I was puzzled
by her comment. What had I done to make this possible?
A lot of us don't think we make much of a difference. We aren't in a
position to donate a million dollars or volunteer a year of our time to create
a lasting legacy so we play down what we have to offer. Yet when we
decide to do something, a wonderful thing begins to happen. Our actions,
our contributions build upon what others have done. When we bring a few
cans to the soup kitchen, or when we volunteer to be a foster grandparent,
our efforts have a ripple effect on the community around us. The
important thing for us to remember is that it always begins with us.
The librarian was right. I made a contribution to the building fund and
didn't think much of it. So did a lot of others who wanted to make a
difference. Together we are responsible for the new building and it is a
legacy that the whole community will enjoy for years to come.
The truth is that whenever we see a need and reach out to meet it, we are
building something bigger and more beautiful than we can ever imagine.
We may be responsible for just one small part, but when our actions are
joined with others, we sometimes can catch a glimpse of something God
called "the kingdom of heaven." So don't downplay what you have to
offer. Just go out and do your part and start building. You'll be amazed at
what God, the great architect of life, can do with what you offer.
God bless! See you in church. Cal
August 9, 2007
I walked into the Otis Library earlier this summer and was overwhelmed
by the changes that had taken place. I should have expected this because I
knew the whole building had been gutted and rebuilt from the ground up.
Yet, I was still unprepared for what I saw. The new lobby was absolutely
beautiful. It was so open and inviting that it immediately made you feel
welcome and drew you in to see what other treasures were hidden beyond
the portals that flowed from the grand entryway.
I turned the corner and walked down a few steps into the main reading
room. The smiling faces of the librarians greeted young and old alike as
they sought to introduce them to the world of literature. Young people
were scattered throughout the area engaged in reading or in utilizing the
library's computer system. I saw a mother quietly reading to her
daughters. I noticed what appeared to be a tutoring session between an
older woman and a teen aged boy. I saw a young man searching the
stacks for a book. He already had three in his arms and imagined him
working on an assignment for a class at Three Rivers.
As I crossed the lobby and headed upstairs, I paused to think what a
blessing this institution was to the community. In the Children's Library,
there was a program in progress and several children were engaged in
story time. The reader brought the characters in the book alive and the
children were leaning forward as if to drink in every word. As I walked to
the back of the library I peeked in at the office of Literacy Volunteers. I
thought about the countless number of new residents in our community
who would be learning the English Language from men and women who
gave their time to this task.
The new Otis Library is a special place. As I was getting ready to leave, I
mentioned how beautiful the building was to one of the librarians. She
replied without losing a beat, "Well thank you. We wouldn't be here today
without your support." I smiled and walked out the door but I was puzzled
by her comment. What had I done to make this possible?
A lot of us don't think we make much of a difference. We aren't in a
position to donate a million dollars or volunteer a year of our time to create
a lasting legacy so we play down what we have to offer. Yet when we
decide to do something, a wonderful thing begins to happen. Our actions,
our contributions build upon what others have done. When we bring a few
cans to the soup kitchen, or when we volunteer to be a foster grandparent,
our efforts have a ripple effect on the community around us. The
important thing for us to remember is that it always begins with us.
The librarian was right. I made a contribution to the building fund and
didn't think much of it. So did a lot of others who wanted to make a
difference. Together we are responsible for the new building and it is a
legacy that the whole community will enjoy for years to come.
The truth is that whenever we see a need and reach out to meet it, we are
building something bigger and more beautiful than we can ever imagine.
We may be responsible for just one small part, but when our actions are
joined with others, we sometimes can catch a glimpse of something God
called "the kingdom of heaven." So don't downplay what you have to
offer. Just go out and do your part and start building. You'll be amazed at
what God, the great architect of life, can do with what you offer.
God bless! See you in church. Cal
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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