Seeds
for
Thought
July 2008
In this month’s Seeds for Thought I’d like to share some random thoughts.
This past month the Milaca Vision Event was held here at Zion where we had roughly 150 folks from the community gather for a free BBQ pork chop picnic followed by a couple hours of work on behalf of our community. This Vision Event was the result of a grant from the Initiative Foundations Healthy Community Program in Little Falls and organized by a cross section of community members to form the Milaca Vision Team.
Together community members reflected on the assets of this community as well as the liabilities. This led to a list of outcomes the participants would like to see take place within our community over the course of the next 3-5 years. We were then given the opportunity to vote on our own top priorities. So what rose to the surface? Quite frankly, there were few surprises as the further development of Milaca’s downtown came in as a top priority. The passing of the next school referendum and the building of a new school followed this. Next came the further development of Milaca’s industrial park. There was support for a well supervised teen center, a farmers market and an arts center for all ages. Beyond this there were a great many other interesting and exciting ideas that hopefully might one day make their way to the top of the list. As one of the individuals involved with the Milaca Vision Team I believe it is safe to say that we all were pleased to see the wonderful turn out and the great cross section of the community. As one who is still relatively new to this community it was interesting to listen to folks lift up both the assets and the liabilities within the community. Most folks seemed to agree that we have a lot of good things here in Milaca, but they were also honest enough to recognize that we have some challenges before us and we have some work to do to help make Milaca the community we want it to be.
In my office I have a small flag that states: “Pray for peace. Act for peace.” I thought about this sentiment as the Vision Team went about its work preparing for the Vision Event as well as during the event itself. If I were to paraphrase this sentiment in light of the task at hand, I would do so by saying: “Pray for a better community. Act for a better community.” In other words, it is always worthwhile to take time to pray on behalf of something, but it is often more helpful to roll up your sleeves and work for things you pray for. (Read the Book of Ruth as an example—Naomi prayers for Ruth and then she goes to work on behalf of Ruth!)
In the days prior to and following I was reminded of one of life’s great truths that there are always those who are quick to complain, criticize and second-guess others as they strive to make a difference in the world. There will always be folks who look beyond their own limited worldview and folks who are resistant to any hint of change. Not many of those folks showed up for the Vision Event. I have to admit I have to work on being more gracious and patient with these brothers and sisters who are more than willing to offer their cynicism laced wisdom but often less than willing to step up to the plate and contribute time and energy. Those who study these sorts of things will tell you that in every group of people there will be those who are quick to embrace new ideas, there are those willing to give it a try, and there are those who will simply never get on board and will drag their feet no matter how positive the end result might be. Group dynamics is fascinating stuff, whether it is in the community, the world and even the church.
At the same time I want to thank all of you from Zion who took time to participate and to be honest, I was rather proud of our Zion presence. It confirms my belief that this congregation is able to look beyond its immediate walls and see the needs and concerns of others and is willing to make a difference. Such response is also in keeping with our Lutheran tradition of being engaged in the world, whether it is locally or globally, Lutherans have a history of stepping in and proving leadership and lending a helping hand. As your pastor I was both impressed and encouraged to take notice of your involvement and participation.
In the coming months the Milaca Vision Team will continue to work and develop strategies that will hopefully help bring some of these visions and dreams to reality for the betterment of our community. I look forward to keeping you posted.
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On Father’s Day I took a few days for a motorcycle trip around Lake Superior with Paul Jackson and Wes Siemers. We left on Sunday and returned on Thursday afternoon in time for the Milaca parade. Together we crossed boarders, covered countless miles (roughly 1600), took in some absolutely fabulous landscape, met some wonderful people, and enjoyed each others company along with sharing too many stories to repeat.
This time away reminded me of two important truths. The first being the value of spending time with friends. I believe this is especially true for men as we are not always so good at this. It is good to develop friendships that keep you grounded and it is good to have friends who will hold you accountable. In Genesis we are told that after God created Adam it became apparent that it was not good for man to be alone, so God created Eve. I sometimes think we get too caught up on the male-female dynamics of this story and fail to consider a simpler truth that is not good for any of us to be alone, that we were created to be in relationship with others. It has been my experience that it is within those relationships and friendships that I have the chance to tell my stories, listen to the stories of others, grow in understanding and I am reminded that it is not only about me. I know that I will never forget this most recent Roadtrip and I know that because of this trip others will follow. I can only hope and pray that I have as enjoyable and easygoing travel companions in the future.
The other truth is this: silence is good. The moment I start up my bike and put my helmet on and head out on the highway, I am in my own world. There is no one to talk to or listen to. I am left to myself to reflect, think, pray, ponder, watch the scenery, wonder and sometimes do absolutely nothing other than stay on the road and watch for moose! Even though I found it challenging to ride an entire day in the rain, I loved that time alone. I loved the quiet (it was quiet as long as I stayed ahead of the Harley-Davidsons!) and I loved the relative solitude. For those of you who spend time fishing, hunting, hiking, cross country skiing, running or canoeing I suspect you know what I am talking about. It is good to get away, it is good to take time for rest and renewal and yet most of us don’t take the time to do this or are not able to do this for a host of reasons.
During these summer months I have been including the following prayer in our Prayers of the People…”God of Sabbath rest, during these summer months guide us by still waters where we might find times of rest and renewal, times to enjoy the company of those near and dear to us, time to take in the beauty and mystery of your creation and time to reflect and grow in your compassion and love for us.” It is my prayer that each of you might carve out some time this summer to live out this prayer, that you might find time to seek the Sabbath rest that we all so deeply need.
Living in God’s amazing grace, Pastor Stephen Blenkush