This is an emergency

My family had been away from Moses Lake for a few days. We returned on Monday. I am not one for longer road trips. All that driving wears me out, especially when parts of the trip involve navigating heavy city traffic. I am capable of such but it requires more concentration and energy.

When we got back into town it was late in the day. Jeanne, Ben and I grabbed some fast food from Taco Bell instead of a home-cooked meal. After we got to the parsonage, we ate our food and sat down to watch the Olympics on television. Afterward, it was off to bed. We slept well.

In the morning, the unthinkable happened. I had neglected something that should have been handled days ago. This discovery sent me off in a panic; I quickly wrapped myself up in winter gear and shot out the door.

It was 16 degrees Fahrenheit outside. However, the frigid temperature was no deterrent for this man on a mission. With dogged determination I warmed up the car, de-iced the glass, and set out. I was laser-focused upon the task. People were counting on me.

Thankfully, it only took me five minutes to arrive at the destination. We are blessed to live in a place that has excellent facilities nearby. I entered and made a beeline for the right department. I had done this before. I knew exactly what was needed. This saved precious time.

I located the supplies, grabbed them, turned, and pulled out my iPhone. I took a selfie of me smiling as I held up the coffee creamer. I set the location for the Safeway store and posted this on Facebook. I knew Jeanne would soon see it and be relieved. Our morning coffee would have just the right taste after all. I was a hero. I headed back.

All kidding aside, what is the definition of an emergency? One possibility: “a serious situation that requires immediate attention.”

With this understanding, here is another question: what would you call a spiritual emergency?

Could you, at this very moment, fully accept the reality that God loves and values you greatly? If you don’t have this understanding, this begs for you to see with new eyes.

God loves you.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.