Issue 299 - Leaving Behind
|
|
July 2023
A devotional text we read recently highlighted how Jesus' first disciples "left their nets" to follow him. This prompted us both to reflect on things we have left behind.
In this issue, we share some of those thoughts with you.
|
|
"Jesus said, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they left their nets and followed him. (Mk 1:17-18 NAB)
At the time, Jesus' summons to the disciples seemed almost to be a personal verbal request I could not refuse. Living most of my early life on the Gulf coast, I knew about fishing and nets, and professional fishermen. Drop your nets.
My job was not fishing, but rather, 20+ years teaching high school, raising two boys active in sports, band, and keeping their honor roll status; plus in the evenings, 4-H meetings. Their sheep, horse, citizenship, and leadership projects meant driving to many evening meetings. Later, when they were able to drive themselves, I was also 4-H Adult and Youth Coordinator for the County. On many weekends I drove 4-H kids all around the state for projects, competitions, and conferences. Other weekends we hauled horses for our boys to compete in 4-H and Quarter Horse Shows or Junior Olympics Shooting Sports (skeet and trap).
I would give anything to have those years back again. They were some of the happiest of my life. But when the youngest graduated from high school – and 4-H – I clearly knew it was time to drop the nets. It was like Jesus was casting the net elsewhere. Feeling a call to ministry, I resigned my 4-H position, left my security, home, friends, ranch country culture, and moved to San Antonio. All I took with me were precious memories and the faith that my new path would be filled with opportunities. My path was windy, and winding, but with very few obstacles.
After earning a D.Min in Proclamation and Worship, I was blessed with a 20+ year career in jail ministry, religious education, preaching, leading retreats and parish missions, and giving spiritual direction. I would give anything to have these years back again.
Well, not really. I treasure all the wonderful experiences in “both lives”. Every day, I am grateful for a day in 2003 and the very unlikely path that led me to Taizé, France, where I met my now beloved spouse, also a teacher and preacher. I am content in my retirement as we share memories and ministries. Every day is filled with gratitude that in 1989 I dropped those first nets and answered a new call.
--by Jan
|
|
Simon and Andrew left their nets, Mark tells us. Of course, that is not all they left: they left homes, families and friends behind. They left a way of life behind them, with at least some degree of job security. They left their nets, and a fisherman without his nets was no longer a fisherman. Those brothers left behind the very identities that for years had defined them.
Are there times when you have left things behind? In 1986, my first wife and I moved to Germany, where I had taken a job. We sold our furniture. We sold our car. We sold or gave away nearly everything we had other than clothes and books. As we left our apartment for the last time, I felt anxious; something seemed to be missing! Slowly, I realized what it was: for the first time in years, I had no keys in my pocket.
Several months after settling in Germany, I dreamed of a flashlight we left behind. A simple, ordinary, D-cell flashlight. But in my dream, I could sense the weight of that missing flashlight, feel the texture of the grip in my hand. I wonder how long Simon and Andrew might have dreamt about those nets they left behind, the weight in their hands, the texture of the cords and knots against their fingers?
Decades later, I moved from New Jersey to Texas to marry Jan. Although I was able to bring a lot more than when I moved across the Atlantic, there was still much left behind. Jan’s house was fully furnished, so I left behind most of the furniture and cookware I’d acquired over the years.
One thing I brought was a cat named Princess. That was a questionable decision: Princess was never a favorite among the cats I’ve owned. Bringing her to Texas was quite a hassle. I could have found her a good home back in New Jersey. But Princess came with me, because, in my gut, I had reached the limit of how much I was willing to leave behind. Thankfully, Jan was understanding!
“Come and follow me,” Jesus still calls. What are you and I willing to leave behind? Where do you feel your limits?
~Bill
|
|
|
"The Summons" hymn -- Come and Follow Me
|
"These Alone" song based on the " Suscipe"prayer of Ignatius of Loyola on his feast day, July 31
|
|
|
|
Recent Issues
Or click here for more past issues
|
We welcome submissions from guest writers. Please contact us for details.
|
|
|
|
Please share Reflection freely by forwarding any issue (forward in its entirety), but remember to respect copyright laws by not altering, copying, or reproducing Reflection, text or photos, whole or in part, without written permission.
Copyright (c) 2023 Soul Windows Ministries
|
|
Sincerely,
Bill Howden and Jan Davis
Soul Windows Ministries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|