A Journey into the Unknown

Jim's nephew Colin, his godson, was confirmed today so I found myself attending a Catholic church service -- something I of Lutheran roots have done only a handful of times (usually for weddings or funerals).

The service ended up being about an hour and 45 minutes, mainly due to the fact the bishop from the diocese (a very engaging speaker, by the way) was visiting and officiating for part of the service, including speaking individually to the 15 confirmands. (To his credit, Carter only asked me twice when it was going to be done.)

It's strange sitting in a new environment, surrounded by new people, not knowing what is going to happen next. If the hard wooden bench doesn't keep you alert, certainly the need to pay attention to standing, sitting and kneeling does. I think that's a good thing.

We tend to go on autopilot sometimes, sitting on our soft, cushioned pews (us spoiled Lutherans), running through the same order of service with the same lay people helping out. Ahhh, there's nothing like that comfort zone! Some of our congregation is a bit shook up now that our pastor retired and the associate pastor accepted a calling elsewhere. The interim pastor does things differently. How dare he?

Seriously, I am OK with this journey into the unknown. Sometimes I find change refreshing. But I'll admit that is usually when I expect it will only have a minor effect on me or when I am armed with enough information I am confident it will be for the best in the long run.

Right now, I am accepting some major changes at work, but haven't gotten to the point I am embracing them yet. I don't know how they will affect me (I am grateful to still have my job, trust me) and I don't know the impact on the long- or short-run. That's scary stuff. The unknown isn't always a pleasant journey.

On Tuesday, we will elect a new leader for our great nation. No matter who he is, there will be some changes. Are we ready for them? What if they aren't the changes we want? What if some are and some aren't? What if on one hand I can buy cheap gas but on the other hand my nephew in the Army still gets shipped to Iraq?

We don't know what will happen. Ever. We are not in control. Ever.

The only way something changes from being an "unknown" to a "known" is when we take time to learn about it. Baby steps are OK. And prayers don't hurt either. Travel safely.