The moon caught my attention while driving home from the church one night last week. There was this beautiful harvest moon hanging low in the sky illuminating the path which lay in front of me. A perfect setting for this time of year as Halloween is only several days from now. The days are growing shorter which means the holiday season is upon us. Holidays seem to have a unique way of shaping our thoughts. Halloween, for some, marks the beginning of the holidays. Anticipation grows with the special programming that celebrates the holiday season. One of my favorite shows is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” which is why I am craving a Dolly Madison snack cake at this moment. I remember watching this show as a young boy when a commercial break would advertise a product from one of the show’s sponsors. Dolly Madison was a sponsor of the show. These snack cakes inevitably looked yummy. Ever since then I have always craved Dolly Madison snack cakes at Halloween.
Another holiday is the day after Halloween. It also invites specific thoughts due to the nature of why it is celebrated. The name of this holiday is All-Saints Day. On this day we celebrate the lives of those who have been instrumental in building the Kingdom of God. Special emphasis is given to those who have passed away since the last All-Saints Day yet included on this day are all of the saints. Fond memories or specific days often come to mind as we remember the person. At times I find myself smiling or even laughing as I get lost in my memories. The void in my life created by death also makes me cry at times. All-Saints Day is a day we remember those people who have shaped our lives. Who is that saint for you? How does this holiday shape your thoughts?
My calling into ministry would never have been possible if not for specific people in my life. Family and friends have played a crucial role in my spiritual development but one person would have a profound effect upon my calling into ministry. Kevin Treu is, in my opinion, a builder for the Kingdom of God. Let me stop for a second and say that Kevin is still alive (I know he will be relieved with this good news). The saints of the church are not just the past but they are the present and future as well. Kevin Treu taught and still teaches the Friends in Faith Sunday school class at Covenant UMC. By profession Kevin is a professor at Furman University. Through his ability to teach my life would be forever changed. One thing I noticed was the joy and passion he had for teaching Scripture. The Bible came alive for me. Kevin did not lecture which could create a passive environment for us but kept us active through open discussions. I found in me a growing desire to study Scripture deeper all the time not just once a year. This desire led me to hear my calling into ministry more clearly.
Imagine no more death or tears or pain. What would that be like? The saints of the church build the Kingdom of God as they help shape our spiritual journey by using their gifts and talents. Each saint has a gift and through that gift the body of Christ grows. The saints do not serve for their own personal glory but glorify the One who will make all things new. God spoke through Isaiah “O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me…return to me, for I have redeemed you”. Those who serve Christ provide a way for the promise of redemption by God to be experienced in a world of uncertainty. No, I am not a saint but I sure hope to be like them. One day I hope I am counted among them. In the mean time lets you and me stand side by side to provide a firm foundation for the good news so others may experience the Christ who makes all things new. Thank you Saints of the past, present, and future.
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