The Deacon’s Bench: Gift New Beginnings

Do you remember the old song Que sera, sera? It was a song my mother used to sing to me. It was essentially about a young child asking her mother and others how the future would unfold for her. I enjoyed the song because to me it carried a great deal of hope. It was all there for you. We don’t know what the future holds for our lives but when I heard that song, I had the feeling that God had the plan and if we do our best to follow that plan, it would be well.

I have been blessed in so many ways in life. At this stage, just when I thought retirement was in view, came the call to become a deacon. Having just come through the ordination for this very special part of my life, I must say, I am still trying to wrap my head around it. When I first spoke with the bishop, and following the diaconal path was suggested, I must admit that although I had heard the word, I really did not know what a deacon was within the Anglican Church or what they did. I was advised to go home and pray about it, discern. I had to start with looking it up to see what it meant! My sense from the beginning was that this was right. I have come far enough in life to know that prayer and contemplation on life decisions is essential. With prayer and the much-needed guidance and consultation with others, the answer became very clear within me. I would take the steps necessary to pursue this.

A new beginning! Just as I thought the years in my chosen careers of nursing and teaching were finishing, a new door was opening. God is good! This spoke so loudly of my personal beliefs, Christian walk, and the desire held within me. The Holy Spirit has guided this journey every step of the way.

As well as some liturgical duties in life as a deacon, it will involve, “Holding before the Church the needs of the world, interpreting those needs to the Church,…”.

I have a grateful heart that God has brought this ministry into my life. I feel blessed to have this opportunity. Many years ago as I was doing some bible reading, and this verse found me – Jeremiah 29:11  “For I  know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

I have held these words close for most of my adult life. Nursing was a dream I held from when I was very young. That was a new beginning for me at the age of 30, going on several years later to have another new door open, another new beginning, that of teaching in the nursing program.  There have been many opportunities within all of this to learn, grow, and offer what I could.

I am reminded of another verse from Ephesians 3;21-22 “Now to him who is able to do unmeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!”

My background as a First Nations person has been another part of the journey. I see God putting this together with any work I can do at this time. Thank God for the gift of new beginnings!

My heart is full, and I am ever so grateful that God has given me once again, a new gift! May you be blessed in your life as we go forward in what God lays before us. Meegwetch. Blessings.