Listening to the Bones

      I run everyday, a habit my college coach instilled in some of us.  I even run on Christmas and Easter, a definite challenge for us clergy types!  One of my favorite runs is along an ocean waterfront.  There are condos and apartments on one side to take in breathtaking views. 

      Around Halloween time, I would pass by a gated condo, and the occupant placed an electronic skull on the gate.  Upon approaching, the skull would speak, and the first time I passed it, it did kind of alarm me, as I didn’t know where the voice was coming from! 

       However, what was striking was what the skull said:  “Hey, where you going?”  Prepared the next time I ran past it, the skull recited another phrase, but only had a few phrases in it it’s repertoire.  My favorite line was of course:  “Hey, where you going?” 

       As I usually run the first thing in the morning, that phrase carried an important message for me that particular day.  Where was I going on that day?  Where was I going in my life?  Where was I going on my mission and purpose?

      That skull sharpened my daily schedule and daily purpose.  The question made me reflect in an honest way on my life and mission.  After Halloween was over the skull came down, and I was sorry to see it go.

      For all of us, the question is an important one:  “Hey, where are you going?”  Where are you going today?  Where is your church going in the near future?  Where are you going in your ministry?

      I am glad to play the part of the skull in your life:  “Hey, where are you going?”

     Be the Hope,

     Bishop Grant