Written by Rev. Dr. Hilary J. Barrett
Don’t be afraid. And try to have fun.
Six years ago I received a precious gift: an 8 ½ x 11 inch sheet of faded grey construction paper with a cross traced in pencil right in the middle of the page. Scrawled across the top of the paper, in a child’s hand, were these words:
"Don’t be afraid. And try to have fun."
These words of wisdom were offered to me by the 5th and 6th grade church school class in 2003. They were trying to encourage and prepare me for my new work of becoming Senior Pastor. It’s the best personal and professional advice I have ever received.
I know I’ve shared these words with you before, but they come back to me now as we move into exciting days of change. Even as I write this, the sound of earthmovers is plainly heard outside my office window. They are tearing up the old parking lot, moving dirt, and creating a new landscape for the future of our church. We are in the midst of change and it is exciting.
And yet, with all times of excitement and change, there is bound to be some nervousness and fear. We worry about losing what we love. We don’t want to change the things we cherish. We are afraid of damaging what we value so highly about Pleasantville.
In times like these, it’s good to listen to the wisdom which comes to us "out of the mouths of babes" (or at least 5th & 6th graders):
"Don’t be afraid. And try to have fun."
By God’s grace, the vision we have crafted and the work we are about have been carefully and faithfully conceived. Many prayerful hearts have brought us to this day. They have leaned upon one another for support, insight and discernment, and the building project we have labored upon for so long is finally really starting to happen. You know, the truth is – this is beginning to be kind of fun.
The God who brought us to this day will surely see us through it.
Don’t be afraid, because God is with us. And try to have fun, because God really is in charge.
Blessings, Pastor Hilary