Midwinter Convocation 2007

Last week was Luther Seminary's version of homecoming, called Convocation. It's a time when alumni are invited to return and meet old friends, see changes around campus and participate in some excellent continuing education.

I was eating supper with a few current students the night before Convocation began and I overheard a few talk about it as a time when all the "old fogies" return to campus. I laughed. I am sure I felt that way as a student when I was young and knew everything there was to know about being a pastor and leading a congregation, when I couldn't imagine myself returning to campus for my 10 year reunion. But this year I was. I had reached the "old fogie" stage.



Yes, I reached the 10th anniversary of my ordination and graduation from seminary in 2006 and had an opportunity to celebrate these milestones with a number of my classmates and colleagues last week. I have to admit none of us looked too old fogie-ish. Actually most of us looked the same way we did when we graduated, but truly much wiser.

It feels good to have 10 years under my belt. I still love the vocation of being a pastor and am grateful I have been called to be a part of God's kingdom on earth in this way. The last ten years have seen their challenges, mistakes and pain, but those have been outweighed by the joys, accomplishments and relationships that have happened along the way. I think and hope most of my classmates would say the same and pray that we feel this way at our 20th anniversary.

Lord God, I give thanks for those whom you have called to the vocation of ministry within your church. Keep them faithful in their callings. Give them the wisdom and resources they need to lead your people in the Gospel. Keep them healthy and safe. Bless their families. And as others discern such a calling, send your Spirit to lead and guide them in their decision. In Jesus name, Amen.