On This Day…
When I was a kid, our local evening paper always ran a little blurb called, “This Day in History,” which appeared on the front page, below the fold, set within a rectangle or square, on the lower right hand corner. I so loved learning bits of historical trivia from those boxes! It was here I learned, when I was about twelve years old, that William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. Of course, I learned about the date and the event before I even knew who William was or where Hastings was located. Fortunately, I could read all about it from the “World Book Encyclopedia” which occupied a prominent place in our living room!
All of my life, I’ve had a penchant for remembering dates and events — of both the historical and personal varieties. I remember the dates of my first dates. I remember my graduation dates — from high school, college, and seminary. I remember my ordination dates. I remember the dates when I started work at the two parishes I’ve served since graduation. What can I say? It’s a thing.
One of my favorite features on Facebook these days is “Memories.” On most days, I click the link and the algorithm serves up a collection of things I posted or shared on that specific date since I joined in 2008. Occasionally, I’ll be reminded of a fun event at church, or an amazing visit with family or friends, or a great trip, or a particularly joyful baptism or wedding. However, what I’ve also noticed in the “Memories” is the number of times I’ve shared more mundane stuff — a trip to the gym, a bike ride, my struggles with weight or e-mail or insomnia, or preaching, or winter. Turns out, not every day is headline worthy. Some days are simply ordinary.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve wrestled with the conundrum of both appreciating the ordinary, while also being restless for something more substantial (even though I’m still unable to be very specific about what “substantial” would look like in the day-to-day). I’m struggling a bit to define this next chapter in my life and work. Every time I sit with a sheet of paper to work through one of those “life planning exercises,” my mind goes blank, and I feel a bit nauseous.
Earlier today, I plucked a book off my office shelf that I read a number of years ago: “Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry” by William Willimon. I flipped through the pages, and noted some of the things I had underlined back in 2003. One thing I couldn’t help but notice is since I was barely a year into ordained life, I was underlining stuff as if I was still in seminary! There are lots of scribbles in the margins, some of which I can actually read.
I’ve decided to reread the volume — hopefully as a means of clearing a few of my mental cobwebs, calming my nagging, low grade anxiety, and refueling my imagination for the day to day work which is pastoral ministry. I don’t need every day to be a “day to remember,” but neither do I want my daily life and work to be perfectly forgettable.
And speaking of work, it’s time for me to get back to it.
