Working Vacation

Last week we got to enjoy one of the fringe benefits of being a business owner. Yes, you could call it a vacation. I avoid using the word because I actually planned this trip around some work that I had at Hilton Head Island. So while we were there enjoying the sights, I was also working several days building a custom range hood for an elite house there on the Island. Here is the proof, taken by a friendly stranger who just happened to be walking by as we were putting all the Lemmons together. The next picture is our first morning there, just before sunrise taken from the balcony of the house where we were staying. A new day is dawning.
It is funny how seeing a sunrise, has a way of reminding us of the potential each day holds, un- marred with mistakes or short words. It is fresh and new. We don't see sunrises at our home in Kentucky. We live between two steep ridges and to the east of us is another ridge, so by the time the sun shines in our "holler" it is mid morning. It was refreshing to see the sun crest over the ocean. The very day we were enjoying this sight our Bishop, Frederick Fick, was participating in the meeting of the Federation of Anglican Churches. A new day has dawned in that realm as well. The day is full of potential, for a unified Anglican province in America. The stage is set, the dawn is breaking. The day is fresh and new. How will the bishops of the several continuing Anglican jurisdictions, and the conservative Episcopalians meet this challenge? Will they be able to work together? Will they find the middle ground where orthodox Anglicans of every tradition, will be able to stand? Time will tell. For now, the day is still fresh, new, exciting and full of potential. May it be our continual prayer that a unified Anglican province would become a reality in our time.

Stirring up Dust

Its not always easy. Check that. It is never easy, it just varies on degree of how hard it is. We call it "bi-vocational ministry," which is in fact (at least in my case) a misnomer. I will explain later. This past two weeks has been challenging to say the least. My work load in the cabinet shop had been pretty steady, then someone throws in a "deadline" and things get crazy. Last week was one of those times, when I woke up each morning and prayed, "Now tell me again Lord, Why am I doing this?" By Saturday, all the lofty idealism about "tent making" fades into shades of gray, and becomes just work. Then comes Sunday. The word of life and the bread of heaven. I am rich again and full. Strong enough to head back into the fray. Once again, I give my life to this gracious and loving Savior Jesus, who gave his life for me. I realize that I am the servant that has, "only done what is my duty." His truth shatters my self-pitiful delusions, and His peace quiets my soul.

It's really not bi-vocational at all. I only have one "vocation." Cabinet making is only a part of this singular calling to be a minister of His gospel. I realize that this is not always the case. Some who are "bi-vocational" were called to His ministry later in life, sometimes after many years in another vocation. These truly are "bi-vocational" ministers, but only in the sense that they are in there second vocation chronologically. In my case, I have known what is my calling, my vocation since I was sixteen years old. It is who I am. Oh, I have done a lot of other things. I have worked in a cemetery, on a Christmas tree farm, as a corrections officer in a prison, and since 1997 a cabinet maker. But these other jobs were aimed at one thing, answering the call of God to his service as a priest and pastor of his people. The minister is a lot like a musician or an artist. There are those artists who are in such a place financially as to be able to devote their time entirely to doing art. However, many perhaps most cannot. That does not stop them from painting or sculpting. They cannot stop. It's who they are. They paint. They sculpt. They create at their own expense. Such is the case of a man called to the ministry of the Gospel. The "bi-vocational" just pays for the privilege of serving. When I think about it, it really is a small price to pay. No complaints. No regrets. His yoke is easy and his burden is light.