hello, Pensacola
and hello to you
We arrived in Pensacola on Sunday (the 24th), which was Palm Sunday and Purim.
It has been, and continues to be, quite a voyage. [In some previous posts from November until the present, I have explained what’s been going on. For example, here and here.] My sister Kristen helped us with the move, including driving the U-Haul truck. She helped load and unload. We are staying with Sherry, my birth mother, and her husband, Ken. Her kids (my sister Nikki and brother Steve) live in the area.
According to most forms of logic, my wife Banu and I are being foolish. To make this trip with apparently no visible means of income might seem crazy. But we do have a means of income in the Lord. The psalmist reports the Lord as saying, “every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills” (50:10). Nonetheless, I certainly understand how that scripture can be misused!
Still, it hasn’t been completely crazy. After all, we have a place to live. One resident in particular is quite excited to have us here. I’ll let you guess who.
We have begun exploring the city — again, having visited Pensacola twice already. Part of the reconnoiter involves Ever’man, a “whole foods / café / ecologically aware” type of market. Banu especially loves the selection of herbs and oils available. That fits in quite nicely with the Biblical herbs ministry.
Before we left Tennessee, I presided at my mother’s funeral. Clearly, that was a once in a lifetime experience. (I have posted my reflections elsewhere.) A few days later we encountered one of the funeral home’s staff at a grocery store in Hendersonville. He let me know that was one of the very best services he has ever witnessed. No doubt, it being for my mom had much to do with it. Having said that, I’m not sure how many funeral services I will lead here. I mention all this to say one lesson I’m learning is to not limit God in what the future holds.
Meanwhile, dealing with our possessions is proving to be a headache. In terms of finding a place to store them, I’m reminded of the words of wisdom telling us, “Our possessions can possess us.” Who do we serve?
The path of liberation requires sacrifice. Of course, it’s easy for me to say that. Throughout my time in college and extending into my career as a pastor (and a married man), I have found worthy a minimalist approach. I suppose my admiration for Thomas Merton and the like helped foster that.
(Quick note: I once contemplated becoming a monk!)
But back to reality. Another aspect of transition is finding fellow travelers, those on similar journeys — sisters and brothers in the faith who have been doing this ministry stuff for a while. And it just so happens that yesterday while Banu and I were out walking our dog, we met such a person.
So pray for us while we pray for you!
