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July/August 2004 |
Reflections of Bishop White
Thanks for the memories
The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under the sun." The litany is quite comprehensive - a time to be born, to die; to weep and laugh; mourn and dance. A time to keep or throw away. A time to remain silent and a time to speak. To this litany I would add - a time to forget and a time to remember! These are the seasons of life. Eventually, we all walk through them.
I now approach the season of forgetting and remembering. We are in part shaped by what we choose to forget and what we choose to remember. It is akin to holding and letting loose.
For 12 years I have been a "Hoosier"! I came as a stranger to this state so beloved that merely hearing a melody accompanied by words, "Back home again in Indiana" elicits a tear or melancholy. I was a stranger to its customs, traditions, history and stories. Soon I learned the way and became a part of its landscape. But now it is time to move on. We United Methodists call it itinerancy. And itinerant I've been - New York City; Maryland's Eastern Shore; Augusta, Ga.; Boston; Detroit; Washington, D.C.; Columbia, Md.; Illinois; Indiana and next Atlanta. I've been enriched by the journey.
As I prepare to leave this Hoosier place, I am gathering up 12 years of life and experiences. My wife Kim and I are sorting through an accumulation of possessions, each item holding its own meaning. We are making decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Sometimes the decision is easy and quick. Other times we ponder over an item and it is more difficult to let it go. It is too special, too precious or sometimes too painful to let go. It is interesting how we often choose to hold on to pain or disappointment, heartbreak.
So what shall it be for this itinerant preacher? What shall I forget and what shall I remember of Indiana years?
Thanksgiving has characterized my life. Complaint has had little place when I put it along side all for which I am profoundly grateful. It is not to deny or ignore struggle, hurt, disappointment, even life's cruel blows. However, when recalling God's constant goodness and acts of kindness and caring by God's people of every description - increasing thanks is the heart's response.
As I leave you, the precious people of the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church, I say simply, "Thanks for the memories." They are indelibly placed in heart, mind and spirit.
To be sure there are specific acts and experiences, and PEOPLE I remember:
- For a small group of United Methodist Women who constantly prayed for me - and regularly sent a card signed by each member. The card seemed to always arrive at the point of my greatest need.
- For days spent with colleagues working on a Habitat house, and tearing one down!
- For sermons heard in small membership churches and large, when I "slipped" in a worship service and found a seat in the rear. I went for no other reason than to hear The Word sung and preached - to have soul nurtured and spirit tended - both were satisfied! Thanks! Thanks for the memories.
- For challenges that came from a caring and concerned heart, not from arrogance and egotism - or even racism. Such challenges helped me see what I had not seen, go where I dared not go - and speak what I did not speak. I was made a better servant because of such caring by saints - laity and clergy alike.
- For the glimpse of Hoosier generosity of time, talent and financial resources shared at so many points and places throughout the state and literally around the world.
- For congregations and leaders who transcended a lifetime of socialization and prejudice and welcomed a pastor of another race or a woman. And apologized for an initial resistance. Or welcomed both, without hesitation - thanks! Thanks for the memories!
- For laity, who in twos and threes, came back stage before every plenary session of each annual conference, placed their hands in mine or an arm around my shoulder and prayed with and for me - for calm and God's directing.
- For every task, decision or issue that forced me to recognize that I was not strong enough, wise enough or faithful enough for the moment, and brought me to my knees before the One who is all-wise, loving and forever faithful. I remember. I remember. Thanks! For the memories!
- For music and singing - and, yes, dance! For the times we laughed and cried together. For the moments God's Holy Spirit took over despite us!
- For every time we were made aware of work and ministry yet undone; of our failure, even of our unfaithfulness. For those special occasions we vowed to do better and to be better.
- For proclaiming that again and again, God is good! All the time!
I remember more, so much more.
I leave you and this beloved place in the hands of the One who held you when I arrived, an all-wise, loving and just God. I am a better servant-disciple for having sojourned in this Hoosier land.
Now my soul sings as I bid farewell - Thanks! Thanks for the memories!
Woodie W. White
Last updated on July 09, 2004