What seems like a lifetime ago, I found myself in the supply line at boot camp. “Size?” “Ah…9 ½,” I said sheepishly. The supply clerk tossed the boots at me. “Excuse me…excuse me. These are size 9. I need 9 ½.” With a piercing stare he responded, “Size 9—that’s what you get. Now MOVE!”
How would these boots ever fit? I had visions of 50-mile hikes and blisters. At the barracks I talked to the sergeant, another friendly chap. “Myrick! You got a problem?” “No Sir. I mean yes Sir. These boots are…” “Did I ask what your problem was?—No, I asked if you had a problem. Answer the question—no more! Got it? Get your boots on and lace ‘em tight. Stand in a bucket of water. Myrick! You hard of hearing? Get in that bucket—Now!”
I stood in the bucket feeling foolish. But I wasn’t the only one. In about 10 minutes, sarge got me back information and I wore the boots until they were dry. To my surprise the leather took the shape of each bump and curve of my feet. They not only fit, they were perfect.
Some assume that once a person is submerged in the water of baptism they must conform to community expectations and beliefs. While true to a point, more often the community conforms to embrace each new member. That is what ‘welcome’ is and what ‘growing in Christ’ is: allowing ourselves to be shaped and reshaped by the wind of the spirit that is forever blowing fresh experiences of Christ into our paths. So, if you are looking for a new pair of shoes, you might try Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church where the shoe always fits.
That’s precisely what is happening on August 17th. We will have a visit from our Bishop, Amy Dafler Meaux, who comes to confirm/receive 7 new members. The service will be at 4:00. These seven people have already been embracing new thoughts and practices. We have been doing the same for them. Some are reading lessons, others are managing the audio-visual equipment. Others are preparing coffee hour receptions. Some are carrying the cross and working in the sacristy. And some are greeters, ushers and many other things. That’s why I continually remind folks that the church is not so much an organization as it is ORGANISM. We are the living body of Christ, constantly being reshaped by the very breath of the Spirit. And this my friends, is what it means to be born again. So, lace up your new shoes and praise the Lord.
Father Bill Myrick
