Preparing (12/05/2024)

Last evening when I met with the Confirmation students, our primary conversation revolved around preparing for Confirmation. I wanted them to recognize more deeply and more broadly that this time was meant for their preparation for a life they say they want. I showed them a photo of my grandson, the Marine. I asked them if they think he became the man they saw in the photo just because he wanted to be. They immediately shook their head in realization that it takes more to become than mere desire. And we spent time talking about “basic training” for this spiritual quest, a life in Christ.

The first thing the students were able to identify was the “spiritual exercises and regimen” like Jacob’s physical exercises and training as part of his basic training. They were able to see the need for daily prayer, for learning more about their faith through reading scripture. I was pleased when a young person raised her hand and said it meant doing what one is called to do even when one doesn’t feel like it. In the case of Confirmation prep, it meant learning to sacrifice one’s will for the will of the LORD.

I spoke to the students about their journal/log that I gave to them and asked them to keep up. I reminded them that I wasn’t going to check it. Life’s not like that. Part of the preparation for Confirmation is realizing that we ourselves need to do what is needed, what is asked of us for our spiritual growth. In adult life, without true commitment and the willingness to do what is needed even if no one is checking, one will stray.

It was a good session with the candidates, I believe. I hope that they will carry through on the necessary preparations we spoke about last evening. I pray daily that they don’t just show up for the event and miss the experience – I pray that on the day of their Confirmation, they are open to the LORD’s gifts and grace to live their lives given them by their Creator, through Christ, in the Spirit.

As I ponder more deeply my discussion with the students last night, I think of my own journey. I am reminded that “wishing doesn’t make it so.” The life of a Christian, one dedicated to Christ and living the salvation from the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit is demanding. We must want it to our core, and we must be willing to give of ourselves moment to moment if we wish to walk in Christ’s footsteps. Companions on the journey have been a huge plus.

Let us all seek to live out loud daily our faith, our identity as children of the Almighty Father, as Christians. May those who encounter us be able to recognize us as such as easily as one encountering my grandson would recognize a Marine.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.