​This past Sunday we began a journey towards the cross and then onto the resurrection. In this week we praise, break bread, wash feet, make promises, and then break those promises. We deny, betray, condemn, abandon, grieve, despair, disbelieve, and celebrate. All in this week called Holy.  

Secularization is a big word used to describe a long-term trend in our culture. It refers to the simple fact that all sense of the Holy has been drained out of our existence. When everything and everyone becomes an object useful only for my enjoyment or my purchase, nothing is sacred or holy anymore. The only subject that matters is me because everything is about me. There is nothing bigger than me, beyond what I can consume or enjoy. Life becomes watered down to a simple hedonism – “Eat. Drink. Be merry (not happy or joyous). For tomorrow we die.” 

​I was speaking with someone the other day about being in a hurry even when we aren’t going anywhere.  We get up in the morning and we hurry to make a pot of coffee or a favorite cup of tea.  We must get to our prayer and devotional time.  We hurry from that to then making a list of things to get done around the house. 
​​I act like everything must happen now.  

It is hard to live up to the expectations people place on a pastor. The same is true for every role we fill in life. Whether a pastor, banker, parent, teacher, coach, or student – the list is endless – somebody places expectations on us. This is not new nor is it anything we can change.