A message from retiring Regional Minister
Steve Martin
A dear friend shared the following words with me. I am unclear as to where he found them, or if perhaps he wrote them himself. Either way, I think he is on to something important.
It is a comfortable habit of ours to divide up the world,
to give a name and a category to every aspect of life
as we seek to make living more understandable
and within our control.
Of course, bad things happen
and good happens every day as well.
imagining it is not included in our household,
As I prepare to turn over the keys and walk out of this position I have loved over the past 24 years, I keep in mind that this life I live, with both the challenges and the blessings, all this is from the hand of God. Yes, I often generalize and declare “good” and “bad” as different events take place, yet ultimately all I am is a servant to God’s call.
My retirement does not undo anything. New things are coming to this region and to this chair which I have occupied. Those new things are intended to bring some things out of the shadows and to revitalize other things, all in an effort for Disciples across the region to live into God’s call with faithfulness and vitality. I hope and pray it will be so!
As I have recently said, and I will repeat myself, leaving is not easy but it is not with regrets. Serving on the Kansas staff has fulfilled many of my earliest dreams for ministry. Those with whom I have shared these days and months and years are for me counted as “trusted friends.” I have enjoyed our efforts and our encounters together. I have benefitted greatly from many experiences and have grown in my understanding of ministry. I have been blessed by your many expressions of care and concern for my health. For all these things I thank you, and I give thanks to God.
I hope we see each other in the days to come. If not, do not fret, for I trust our friendship will span across miles and through time. God bless you each and every one!