Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting with a woman who shared with me her entry into the journey of  discernment for pastoral ministry. The conversation moved from a somber mood to laughter over what we thought were absurdities in our personal calls to ministry of Word and Sacrament. (I mean really, why would God call us (me) into ministry?) In the midst of our conversation, I was again reminded that this year of internship is a continuation of discernment, a fact that can be easy to forget when you are in the midst of ministry.

When I asked this woman what excites her about pastoral ministry, her response was, “I want to help others.” This was not a simple statement, for she elaborated on what this means to her. I suppose four years ago, this might have been my response. During the past two years at seminary, and even these three months here in Dallas, time spent focusing on ‘today,’ I forget to look back – to see my journey from its beginning. When I do look back, I am amazed at how much I have learned and experienced. I am grateful for the hundreds of people (not just pastors and seminary faculty and staff, but the ‘people in the pews’) who share this incredible journey with me.

Today when asked what excites me about the ministry of Word and Sacrament, my response is “I get to do this with you! I get to walk this incredible journey of faith with God’s children.” Together we proclaim the gospel by fulfilling our baptismal promises. We sit together in worship, at kitchen   tables, dinner tables, coffee bars, and on park benches, sharing life’s joys and sorrows. We pray for and with one another. We come together to the baptismal font and to the Lord’s Table, knowing that God leads us and loves us.

I am reminded that as this woman begins this journey, not unlike myself in many ways, yet uniquely hers, God will lead her with faith and courage. Her life is about to change – it’s an exciting time, but also can be frightening. I am reminded that discernment doesn’t end, but is a life-long process, of how and where God is calling us to serve our neighbor. Isn’t it incredible that we get to do this together?!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

John 14:27, NRSV