I want to share a few thoughts pondered this past Friday when Jenny Ridnour, Susie Howard, and I debriefed CanCare's 5th Anniversary Celebration; Victory for Hope. First let me share our deep appreciation and gratitude for all who helped to make this occasion a very special evening.

One thought Jenny, Susie, and I pondered began much like the beginning of a joke. "What do you get when you combine a school teacher, a preacher, and a business professional together?" We were laughing a laugh of appreciation and relief that the evening went on without a glitch and surpassed our expectations. "Can you believe it... none of us has ever had a hand in planning an event like this before...Can you believe it...a school teacher, a preacher, and a business professional."

None of us professed to having the skill set needed to pull off such a wonderful event in the life of JCPC and our community. However, what each of us agreed upon was that we are passionate about God's work with CanCare. Passion is more important than processing all the tools.

Another belief that we agreed upon is that you don't need to be equipped to do God's work. Jesus called common men and women who didn't have the same "training" as he; but rather who were passionate in their sense of calling. The know how comes through many trials and failures.

Jenny, Susie, and I reflected how God took our passion 5 years ago and "trained us" along the way. The first In Harmony for Cancer Concert and Silent Auction was almost a wash out if you recall the torrential rains and a river running through the middle of the silent auction tent. Thank goodness for Steve Simpson and the scouts who provided the tent for that first CanCare fundraiser. None of us were equipped but we were willing to learn.

So this Lenten season let me throw out a challenge from the heart of "our team." Don't wait until you feel equipped to follow God's call. Show up passionately. Allow yourself to make mistakes; lots and lots of mistakes. And know that God will use this combination to touch lives (especially yours) in wonderful ways. To God be the glory.

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, equip your saints to do your will by granting the passion to follow you, the trust to make mistakes and the willingness to see things through by the gift of your Holy Spirit. Amen.