Mission Yearbook



Stained glass at the Presbyterian Center

For those of you unfamiliar with the Presbyterian Church, we have this handy little book called a Mission Yearbook. Each day features a different ministry or program of the PC(USA), with a list of employees of synods, presbyteries and the six Presbyterian agencies to include in that day's prayer requests. It is common for those reading along with the yearbook to email those PC(USA) staff members with well-wishes on their featured day.

Yesterday was my featured day.

First off, I was surprised to be featured. Somehow my hire date managed to exclude me from last year's book, and for some reason I thought that I missed this year's book as well (obviously I never flipped ahead to check...). On top of that, I was majorly stressed out about everything that still has to get done before I go, and feeling a little sad that today is my last day in the office.

So imagine my surprise when the emails started flooding in - from Texas, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and right here in Louisville. It was such a blessing that I was featured in my last week at the Center, when I'm preoccupied and stressed and probably more than a little grumpy.

Thanks in particular to Richard, whose note was simple, short, and (according to his signature), sent via his DROID. It read simply, "Blessings today on your life and ministry: Psalm 20:1-8." While attempting to achieve "inbox zero", I re-read the message and decided to look up that verse this afternoon: 

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. "Selah" May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Psalm 20:1-8 

Wow, while I may not exactly be offering burnt sacrifices any time soon, I certainly feel distressed by the massive amount of stuff that still has to be done before I go. What a nice reminder to step back and be grateful for the experience, to go forward with the blessings of those around me, and to rise up, stand firm, and do good in the name of the LORD.