Baxter’s friends won’t allow him to enjoy his vacation in peace. They are hounding or making other sounds and gestures toward him to give them a chance. Since he is on an hiatus from his literary production, they want to fill the gap. Baxter, being the affable and easy-going fellow he is, has agreed. So for the next few weeks, while Baxter basks in the sun and lays about the pool, some of his friends will put their “two cents worth” of wisdom to the pennies worth of Baxter’s thought. Hopefully, our thoughts about God, ourselves as God’s people, and the practicality of the parish will grow. Enjoy these other voices from the pew. We need to listen to each other as we try to find our way to God in this crazy world.
Since the cat is away, perhaps it’s time to let the dogs play! So, please let me introduce Charlie. He is a two-year-old, only dog, adopted from the Humane Society of Westmoreland County just 15 months ago. He looks to be a golden retriever and cocker spaniel mix, but since he was picked up without any kind of identification as a stray in Greensburg, we may never know. What we do know, is that he is a sweet, friendly, silky soft companion and a great addition to our family.When we adopted Charlie, one of the first things we had to do was give him a name. This was not a difficult task for us, because we had been considering adding a dog to our family for some time. “Charlie” had been the unanimous decision of the family, no matter if the dog were a puppy from a breeder, or a rescue animal. What was interesting was that this dog, who was estimated to be two years old, took immediately to his new name. There was no resistance, no hesitation. He immediately perked up his ears with wagging tail when called “Charlie.”
As humans, we have given names and nick names, titles, and many other forms of address. No matter the many different names we have, one will always be with us. “Son.” “Daughter.” Our heavenly Father calls each of us His children. Some of us have heard this name from infancy, some have just realized that this is a name they have a share in. No matter your place on the journey, being called a child of God is the marker of a relationship. In the relationship, you are called by name to join the family of God. Is this call clear? Is it one that you recognize? And, what are you called to do?
For many, the call is not clear. In this busy world, it can even be difficult to hear God’s voice. But, if we can quiet the noise, and quiet ourselves, we can begin to hear the call. It takes practice, but soon you are able to recognize the voice, moving you to what is good and loving. And, what is that voice calling you to do? Well, for each of us it is different, but as children of God, there is one call we share in common. The call to discipleship. We are issued this call not just as students, but as children of the teacher. That is a very special place in this classroom of life!
So, as you enter into the summer months with their play, relaxation, and vacations, try to take a few moments to quiet it all and listen for the call. And, when you hear it, come with ears perked and tail wagging!
Christy Cabaniss
Parish Minister
