Smile, Because It Happened

A brief reflection on my time serving as Director of Ministry at St. Michael Lutheran, which is quickly coming to a close.

Do you like Dr. Seuss? My wife and I have read an awful lot of his books over the past five years to our daughter; we’re beginning that same tradition with our toddler son as well.

Dr. Seuss has a way with words, no doubt, gifted at describing the world around us with a sense of childlike wonder, and often wisdom too. Recently I ran across a quote of his that describes my feelings in this particular moment perfectly.

Don’t cry because it’s over.

Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

Cat-Hat-Stamp

Obesity is icks.org generic levitra also a chief contributing factor for diabetes. The lights were turned off and I was getting the idea. cipla viagra Erectile dysfunction arises in men when people do not go for the treatment is because of humiliation behind soft generic viagra the issue. All in all, any activity which involves generic viagra canadian contraction in the muscle can be benefited from trigenics treatment. Our family has worshipped at St. Michael for almost five years. This is an open, inclusive faith community, no easy thing to find, even in 2015. Two years ago I started seminary, in pursuit of becoming an ordained Lutheran pastor.  At the same time I began serving as your Director of Ministry. What an amazing blessing to learn a new craft and be able to apply those learnings with a local faith community.

And now it’s time for my internship year, a full-time role, and a requirement for ordination. My last day at St. Michael is August 9.  Two weeks later I’ll begin a year at Holy Spirit Lutheran in Juno Beach as their intern Pastor.

Am I sad to leave? Absolutely. St. Michael will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a beautiful community to be part of. But will I cry because it’s over? Heck no.

When I think about delightful conversations with the people of St. Michael, I smile. The outreach trips to Lake Worth, Belle Glade, picking corn and mission work in Haiti? I smile. Time spent with kids and youth for Sunday School, Youth Sundays and Vacation Bible School? I smile. Learning the craft of sermon writing and preaching from that first pulpit? Smiles. Beers? Hymns? Men’s Bible Studies? More smiles.

Why all those smiles? Dr. Seuss said it best. I smile, because it happened. And it was wonderful.

One thought on “Smile, Because It Happened

  1. Well said Ryan! Love your perspective.
    Thank you for the time at St Michael. We were blessed with your presence, your smile, sense of humor and your love of God and us.
    May God bless you in your new adventure.
    Barb

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