Footprints in the Snow

After this warm thaw, our memory of the cold frozen New England tundra of the blizzard of  ’05 fades rapidly. Yet, one image remains etched in my memory. The roads were mostly cleared; sidewalks and driveways were being shoveled. But through the forest woodlands where I walk my dog, no work had been done to clear the trails. My dog valiantly tried to lurch through the frozen three-foot drifts, to no avail. As my boots punched holes in the frozen snow banks, my dog was able to follow in the path I forged.

 

When I got to the trail, someone had already been there and left a set of footprints in the snow. Rather than slowly trudge through the depths, I was able to follow in those footprints. It made the walk much easier. When I wanted to follow fresh new trails, I would have to revert to that slow, ice-breaking shuffle. But I would think to myself how much easier those who followed in my footsteps would have it.

 

This is also the time of year when churches install new church officers, and appreciation is expressed to all who have served faithfully, and completed their terms of office. We did this at our January (re-scheduled because of the blizzard) meeting of Presbytery, and I have been honored to be a part of installation services at several of our churches. Each time I am reminded of that familiar line from Hebrews, where we are encouraged to take heart and run with confidence the race before us, because we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” Presbyterian Pastor Eugene Peterson translates it this way in The Message: “Do you see what this means – all those pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit. No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus who both began and finished this race we’re in.”

 

In a spirit of gratitude I want to express the heartfelt thanks of our Presbytery to all those who have served faithfully, and whose encouragement spurs us forward in our mission to share the love and justice of Jesus Christ with the world. Whether you served on a Presbytery committee, have been a faithful commissioner, served on your local Session, Board of Deacons or Trustees, or one of the many church committees, I trust it has been a time when you have sensed the empowering presence of God’s Spirit, and have grown in grace through your service. Hear the words of our Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And thanks for leaving those footprints in the snow for those who will follow.

 

Now that I think of it, this is a good transition to Lent as well. “Strip down . . . no spiritual fat . . . keep your eyes on Jesus.” May you find encouragement in your Lenten disciplines as you remember the faithful footprints and the cloud of witnesses that surround us. (Hebrews 12: 1 – 3) Until next time,