We invite you to take a peek inside our Light for the Way devotional series. Each week we provide staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
By Campus Pastor Keith Lomen, Orchard Path and Valley Ridge
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.... We do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” — Hebrews 10:35, 39, NIV
I have a question for you today: Are you confident that you are doing an excellent job for PHS? Another way of asking that question is this: Do you love what you do?
Kandi is a co-worker of mine here at Orchard Path. Kandi works as an Activities Assistant in memory care, and I can assure you that she IS doing an excellent job for us. We work together every Thursday afternoon during the weekly hymn music time in the Arbor.
As the pastor in this setting, I’m only along for the ride. Yes, I choose the hymns, and I give the message each week. But Kandi runs the show. Kandi makes these weekly joy fests happen.
First of all, she is the recruiter or ‘gather-upper’ along with the nursing assistants to get people in the room. Once we get started, Kandi makes sure everyone has the correct page in the hymnbook. If there is a person or two who needs a hug or some special encouragement for that day, she will sit with them!
But Kandi’s real magic is how she relates to these residents. Her love for, and patience with, these dear folks is a joy to behold. Sally (not her real name) is a walker and wanderer, but Kandi manages to rein her in somehow. Then there is Bob. Bob has no concept of personal space. Bob stands right by Kandi; there is no social distancing in Bob’s world. But Kandi takes it all in stride, and gently steers Bob into an acceptable place. All the while, when it’s permitted, Kandi leads the singing with her angelic alto voice.
Later, when I tell Kandi what a great job she’s doing, and how blessed we are to have her here at Orchard Path, she will quietly thank me, but always adds, "I love what I do." What she really means is, "I’m confident that I’m doing a good job. It’s who I am and what I do!"
The writer of Hebrews urges us NOT to lose our confidence, for it will be richly rewarded. The context is a section on the importance of finishing well in our faith and enduring to the end. The text is not saying we should be cocky or obnoxious. Rather, the Word is saying that we can confidently face all the ups and downs of this life, knowing that as the people of God, our confidence is in Him, His grace, His provision. It’s a sure thing, a given for us.
So, I hereby give you permission to live confidently and faithfully, by God’s grace. For we aren’t the 'shrinker-backers'. No sirree, we are the faithful, the rewarded, the heaven-bound — confident in our great God.
Find more in the Light for the Way series:
A reflection on Candlemas: Good news worth repeating
Be still. Know God.
'Come and see' - an invitation to pray for Christian unity
Introducing Light for the Way, a new devotional series
In addition to Light for the Way, you can find reflections, devotions, music and other resources on the Pastoral Care website.