Reminders for the Journey (07/13/2025)

Some think I am retired. It is true. I no longer get a “paycheck.” But one doesn’t retire from faith, one doesn’t pack away hope with framed diplomas and desk pads, and one doesn’t quit loving just because one’s on social security. Faith, hope and love have always been part of this journey, and it will remain so. So, while I don’t have a timeclock to punch, I’m still supposed to be active in what matters most – becoming wholly and fully the child of our most loving Almighty Father, becoming a disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ, and becoming a living temple of the Spirit in this world.

Those are pretty spectacular things that I am being called to do. And it deserves visuals and reminders to keep me on course, to keep me engaged, to keep me honest. By my front door is a crucifix and a mezuzah. It’s my way of reminding myself that my life is a journey in, with and through the LORD.

The mezuzah is from my years of studying Hebrew so I could understand better the texts of the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament). In Deuteronomy 6, Moses gives the great commandment: “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with you whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them on your arm as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.”

The mezuzah is to be hung by the door and stroked as one goes through the door recalling the great commandment and that we are to take our awareness of the LORD out with us into the world. It helps me to remember not only the commandment but who I am.

The same is true of my crucifix, a Christmas gift from my grandson, to remind me that I am a disciple of Christ who died for us all and that includes me. And Jesus gave a great command, like Moses: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19-20)

These two markers remind me of who I am, of who I am called to be, of what I must never put down or forget. It’s important to me as I am on the journey. I carry those images and those words with me as I strike out. And in my pocket, I carry my pocket cross, reminding me that I am commissioned to participate in Jesus’ ongoing salvific mission – to bring Christ to others and others to Christ through my words, my deeds, my silences, my presence.

Our journeys are for our lifetimes. Our journeys come with expectations. Makes sense to me to remind myself frequently of these things. I pray that you, also, have ways to remind you daily of the LORD’s love and the LORD’s power and presence at work in your life and your world. And I hope, too, that you have real, tangible ways to remind yourself of your needed participation in bringing about the Kingdom of God.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.