Defining Moments

The title of the sermon today was "Defining Moments'.  No sooner did the preacher start talking than my mind started wandering.  [For such in the nature of sermons.  No doubt mine sometimes provoke the same response].  I had read a book some years ago that challenged one to look back over their lives and see if you could identify some "defining moments".   I was reviewing the ones I had identified during my mental wanderings.

But I must add, that in addition to big defining moments,  there are also moments of great insight that can change one's life as well-- a new idea, a radically different notion, a change of perception..   I've had my share of those, too.   When I look at my life's 'defining moments', I can specifically identify only about half a dozen of those, which I think probably changed my life from that moment on.   The two biggest ones came later in life--in my thirties and forties.

The one in my thirties was "falling in love" and deciding to love again, when Gerry came along in my life.  As great as it was, it still took courage and conviction and commitment. It was a risk.  Needless to say, it was perhaps the best thing that had happened to me, up to that point, for sure!   This one was more of an instantaneous moment of recognition about what direction I wanted my life to go,  and who I wanted to share it with. But it was also an arduous process to get past many hurdles and challenges.

In my forties, I responded to a call to ministry. That event was not limited to only one specific moment,  though that was indeed a part of it.  Mostly, though, it was a long, very hard process,  a series of decisions and actions.  Those decisions and actions often took a great deal of courage and conviction and commitment.   It was not an easy thing to get up at 4:30 in the morning to drive to Rochester for an 8:30 class in the middle of the winter.  None of it was easy, but it was certainly all worthwhile!

The two things mentioned above, certainly defined my life for the next thirty years.

Now that I reflect on the preacher's message,  he repeatedly pointed to the words,  "Do not be afraid."

So when I try to contemplate whether or not other defining moments may be yet to come,  I will take those words to heart.   No need to be afraid.

Already, my cup runneth over!