As my college class was graduating, it was a hot and sunny day. It was a proud moment as I walked across the platform and received my diploma in front of family and friends; there was a flood of emotions filling my heart, mind, and soul. As I was handed a diploma, I shook the hand of the president of the college and a photographer said, “Smile!” as the president loudly said, “Congratulations!” Then, in a much lower voice, one that was firm and could be heard only by each graduate, he whispered, “Keep moving.”
He was trying to keep the line moving across the stage, but his words were good advice for a lifetime — “Keep moving.” After every achievement — growing up, graduation, marriage, job promotion, even retirement — among the best advice for our heart, mind, and soul is, “Keep moving. Don’t stop. Don’t stagnate. There is more to life than you have found thus far.”
As we begin to discover who and what we are during retirement, new avenues for ministry emerge. Together, as a church facing Covid-19 restrictions, we “Keep moving:” in social justice, in worship, being a WISE Congregation for Mental Health, in our Care Team, creation justice … the list goes on and on. We are constantly adjusting our sails as we move onward.
Even after we have settled into our retirement years, God says the same thing to us: “This is not the end; it is only the beginning. Keep moving.”
I don’t have all the answers as we move onward facing this new variant of Covid-19. I only have this to say: “Congratulations on making it thus far. Smile. Now, keep moving.”
Shalom, Paul