"Don't I Get a Vote Here?"

"Don't I Get a Vote Here?"

“We never give up! Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory… Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.”  [2 Cor.4:16-18, CEV]

The historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has been captured on camera, and the details of his retirement are available to all.  This coincides with my own retirement later this year after installing our new senior pastor, and now it’s rumored someone [likely our golf league, knowing that bunch!] wants to use Benedict’s ceremony as a model for me.  What I’ve gleaned so far is this:

First, where the Swiss Guard is charged with destroying the fisherman’s ring and seal used for official papal business, the group here had plans to destroy the driver in my golf bag until it was pointed out that it always self-destructs on the first tee, anyway.

After that, there was lengthy discussion about a white helicopter to lift me off after my last sermon, then it was decided a MediVac would be more appropriate and, finally, they voted on a white plastic lawn chair attached to 18 helium weather balloons. However, none of them trusted me with a pellet gun to shoot out the balloons for descent, so that one’s still up in the air -- literally. Oh, and that’s not a seat belt on that thing, either -- it’s a strait-jacket.

Finally, the Pope Emeritus will spend two months at Castel Gandolfo after two Swiss Guards usher him in and close the massive wooden doors, marking his symbolic time in secluded meditation. Well, apparently Carolyn has conspired with this group of lunatics here, because I found the Trustees drawing up secret plans to change the lock on my office door, neutralize my building alarm code, and commit me, literally, to a rigorous exercise plan at 24-Hour Fitness.  Wait, don’t I get a vote here? Can’t I choose secluded meditation instead of painful exercise?

All right, let’s get serious… 

Indeed, we’re getting stronger each day in Christ as we keep our minds on Him. Everything we say and do is moving toward this point: being with Him for all eternity -- not at death, but starting here and now! Sure, we struggle with problems and pains, and inevitably we have to face death and taxes. Yet we face them, and more, as the people of God confident in His love and secure our past, present and future.

Never give up, and keep your eyes on what you can’t see. [It never hurts to laugh, either, does it?]

- Jack