July 8, 2025

Dear Friends,

Those of you who were at church this past Sunday and saw me preach may still be laughing at my faux pas. I know that I am. For those of you who weren’t, I got ready to read my speaking notes and realized that I needed my glasses. They weren’t in my shirt pocket or my back pocket or on the top of my head but I was sure I stepped up to the podium with them. Thankfully, friends in the audience called out that they were on my shirt and, sure enough, there they were, right where I’d put them. Truth be told, some of you were probably more embarrassed for me than I was for myself. Others of you have now confirmed the onset of the senility you long expected was plaguing me.

Laughing about that incident today got me thinking of many other embarrassing or awkward moments in my life (and, believe me, there are many of them). As I thought about them, I realized two things. First, I’m a lot less embarrassed about such things now than I was twenty years ago. I hope it’s not because I’ve become more calloused and insensitive but rather because I’ve become more at home in my own skin and less concerned about image. After all, the road from here is down hill all the way!!

Second, I realized just how deeply ingrained in our lives is the cultural narrative of success and propriety (however that might be defined by various factions). Outstanding performers are applauded, notwithstanding character flaws which are ignored because of their achievements. Those who don’t make the cut are ignored or disdained. It’s a harsh standard that has no relationship to either grace or reality.

Please do not hear me arguing that mediocrity is okay or that individualism is the epitome of what we should strive for. Rather, I am pointing out that we are human and we fail or stumble or forget or screw up. At one point, the apostle Paul described his life this way: “We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings.” If we’re secure, we can grow from this situation, knowing that it doesn’t fundamentally change either who we are or how we are loved by God. It is, at minimum, an opportunity to laugh at ourselves and practice humility. At most, it is a chance to learn and grow. Neither of these extremes is bad for us.

Jesus was always in trouble because he wasn’t living up to somebody’s expectations or because he was violating somebody’s interpretation of the Law or of what Messiah should be like. He didn’t seem to care about those opinions. What mattered to him is what his Father thought about him and what his Father wanted him to do on a given day. His greatest triumph, was, by earthly measurement, a complete failure. Yet, God “highly exalted him.”

Let’s keep being patient with one another, laughing with each other, spurring one another on to growth. Let’s remember that we’re imperfect and still loved. Let’s remember that God invited us to share his mission with full knowledge of our shortcomings. I don’t know about you, but that understanding helps me to press on with today!

Blessings!

Doug