Rev. Cara Scriven, Lead Pastor
As many of you know, I grew up Catholic. I first heard my call to the ministry when I was 12 while I was attending Mass with my family. As the priest presided over the Eucharist, I felt a draw—a pulling of myself—towards the priesthood. It is an experience that I have never forgotten. However, what sealed the deal was the hymn we sang a few minutes later “Here I am, Lord” where I promised to go wherever God sent me.
This hymn was written by Dan Schutte in 1981. Schutte was a Jesuit studying theology at Berkeley at the time. One day a friend knocked on his door on a Wednesday and asked him to write a song for his ordination on Saturday. To make matters a bit worse, his friend had a list of images that needed to be included in the song and Schutte had the flu.
In both of these situations a question immediately arises, “What do I do now?” I was certainly not sure of what my next steps were to become a priest. I can imagine Schutte felt similarly as he wondered how he was going to write a song in just a few days. You might be feeling the same way as Governor Jay Inslee announced this week new COVID-19 restrictions for our state.
If you have been to the store in the last few days, you may have noticed that there are several empty shelves again. However, there are better ways to prepare ourselves for the long winter ahead. For example, instead of stockpiling toilet paper, we might first ask ourselves: “What can I do now, to fix a reoccurring problem?” I spent part of my weekend cleaning some cabinets that had become unrulily. Perhaps, you have a messy cabinet that needs cleaning, too? Or maybe you need to fill a prescription? Do you need to replace chair cushions, or your trash can? Whatever is nagging you, work to find a way to solve it now. This will ensure it doesn’t sap your energy as we get deeper into the winter.
Another way we might prepare ourselves is to ask: “What can I do now to deal with the winter?” I encourage you to think practically. If you are a regular walker, do you need a better rain jacket or waterproof boots? Or maybe you need to replace your winter hat or gloves? Or do you need a happy lamp? Considering what will make it easier for you to deal with the winter, will help you successfully survive the next few months.
In time, I discovered my next steps to pursue my call into ministry, but it took me decades. Dan Schutte consulted Scripture, songwriters, and said a prayer. In a matter of two days, he wrote the hymn “Here I Am, Lord” which has been beloved ever since. As the rain begins and winter sets in, Pastor Melinda and I encourage you to prepare yourself now so that in a few weeks you aren’t asking “Are we done with this winter, yet?” And may Schutte’s song, remind us all year long that God hears our cries and will brighten even the darkest night.