The Miracle And Metaphor Of A Second Harvest

Some gifts have a surprising way of just keeping on giving. 

We harvested what I thought would be the last of our summer pole bean crop nearly a month ago. By that time the usual invasion of Mexican bean beetles had devoured most of the leaves on the plants anyway, and since I've never been fond of using insecticides, I decided to simply declare an amnesty to all the uninvited leaf workers, since I assumed the harvest was over anyway.

Then the unexpected happened. New leaves began to appear on the vines. Buds and tiny green beans started to emerge, followed by a steady second crop of Blue Lake green beans, unusually free of blemishes and especially tender and tasty. 

I couldn't help seeing this as a kind of metaphor for the possibility of us aging people experiencing a second round of productivity as we continue living out the final chapter of our lives. 

I see lots of signs of that among my Park Village neighbors here on the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community campus. One of my neighbors has become an active part of an interim Virginia Mennonite Conference Leadership Team. Others are volunteering at places like Gift and Thrift, Book Savers, and other local service opportunities both in and around VMRC. The majority of my neighbors are active members of their congregations, serving in a variety of leadership and serving roles. And they are actively engaged with their children, grandchildren or other younger people as elders and mentors.

So I propose we replace the word retired with rebooted, re-birthed, or re-envisioned. 

Amazing autumn growth, with the first hard frost being only weeks away.

We Are Each Younger Today Than We Will Ever Be--But We Can Also Claim More Experience

Three of us, Harold Miller, Lewis Overholt and I meet for regular conversations in a pavilion in nearby Park Woods. We have known each other for most of our lives, but now find ourselves close neighbors and best friends. Harold and Annetta spent much of their life in Kenya, East Africa, and Lewis and Mary Ellen lived and worked for decades in Berlin, Germany and then in Americus, Georgia. I consider them my esteemed elder siblings.

Remember the days of old;
consider the years long past.
Ask your father, and he will tell you,
your elders, and they will teach you.

Deuteronomy 37:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

We're often told that growing old is hard, and not for the faint of heart, but also that age is just a number, and that we should never limit the good we can do or define the good we can be by how many years we've lived.

One of the good things we can be is a treasury of good memories and of good values we can pass on to the next generation. We can serve as a vital link between the past and the present, and between this life and the one to come. 

So let's celebrate the fact that today and every day we are as young as we will every be, and at the same time still capable of learning and of gaining ever more wisdom as we go--and as we grow.

We are all a part of a continued story. Our ancestors' experiences live on in us, and we will, for better or worse, live on in the lives of our descendants.

I find all of that sobering, challenging and life giving.

***********************

There is no more noble way to spend these years than to become an elder, to bear witness to the world as placeholders for peace, love, wisdom, and fearlessness. —Kathleen Dowling Singh

(from Richard Rohr's Daily Mediations)

Addendum: My friend Harold Miller just reminded me of today's very fitting lectionary reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092422.cfm!

Are Virginia's Prisons Really In Crisis?

The event is free and open to the public

“No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” - South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, imprisoned for 27 years 

Author Dale Brumfield, in his 2017 book, Virginia State Penitentiary, A Notorious History, details the 190-year saga of Virginia’s infamous first prison, known for leasing African American and other prisoners as slave laborers, having unheated cells and terrible food, and for housing children with adults.

With the establishment of the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC) in 1974 came significant improvements in what was Thomas Jefferson’s original experiment, a model that shaped the future of the American prison system everywhere.

Former Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley, a Republican, has proposed that public servants involved with the criminal justice system should spend at least 24 hours behind bars to give them a better feel of what prison life is really like. He believes this would help them assess the degree to which the VDOC actually corrects those it incarcerates, encourage them to consider alternative consequences for those who are not a danger to society, and better determine how those who demonstrate changed behavior should be given a second chance to rejoin the labor force and become productive and tax-paying citizens.

Paulettra James, whose husband is serving a long prison sentence, recently had a column published in the Richmond Times in which she likewise urged lawmakers to visit prisons to assess the effects they have on those incarcerated and to better understand how hard prison can be on families. “They should experience what it’s like for families like mine to drive hundreds of miles and pay huge gas bills so we can keep marriages alive and family ties strong. Those family connections have been proven to reduce recidivism and give our loved ones a better chance at success after prison.”

Virginia’s Department of Corrections, with a $1.5 billion annual budget and with over 30,000 men and women in its custody, is seen by many as subject to the least public oversight of any government agency in the Commonwealth. Any such lack of transparency, coupled with the challenge of chronic staff shortages and restricted budgets, can result in conditions that not only fail to rehabilitate and correct, but can be destructive and dangerous.

In its own defense, the VDOC, in a February 16, 2022 press release, stated that “Virginia’s legislature is more than capable of providing oversight when and where it sees a need. VADOC also receives direct supervision from the Governor and Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.”

For many, however, hard questions remain. On June 9 the ACLU of Virginia launched a first showing of its new documentary, “Injustice: Hidden Crisis in Virginia’s Prisons,” and at 7 pm Monday, September 26 there will be a screening of the film at the Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg.

This special event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by JMU’s Gandhi Center for Global Non-Violence and EMU’s Zehr Institute, with the endorsement of local groups like the Valley Justice Coalition and Virginia Organizing. A panel discussion and Q & A will follow.

The purpose of the screening is not to simply focus on problems within our correctional system, but to provide direction for radically improving a system that could become a model for communities and jurisdictions everywhere.

As concerned citizens, we need to affirm wherever the VDOC is doing well while urging it to do even better in fulfilling its stated mission: “We are in the business of helping people to be better by safely providing effective incarceration, supervision and evidence-based re-entry services to inmates and supervisees.”

How Would Jesus Regard Her Royal Majesty?

The royal biographer's book title says it all.

I hope no one takes offense at my following my last post on worshipping Jesus with this one about some of the reverence shown for the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. Surely never in all of history has a monarch received so much adulation during her long life, nor been laid to rest with so much acclaim. 

In spite of some of the troubling aspects of England's past colonial history, the Queen has in many ways been a force for good, for which she deserves much of the honor that has been shown her. Her exemplary life and elaborate memorial service has dominated the news in ways few of us have ever witnessed.

The Bible has a lot to say about homage to human kings, queens and kingdoms. In the 1611 translation of the Bible authorized by one of Elizabeth's predecessors, King James I, we are reminded to show a spirit of submission and honor to kings, as well as to governors and others in positions of authority. (I Peter 2:13-22). 

What is remarkable is that in the middle of that passage Peter admonishes his readers to "Honor all people. Love each other.  Fear God." And then, "Honor the king (the emperor)." Roman emperors were typically despised by Jews in Peter's day as despots and occupiers, but the same word is used for them as for how Christians are to respect all people.

So how would Jesus, whom multitudes of us around the world honor as the crucified, resurrected and forever King of Kings and Lord of Lords, have us honor those in authority? How does the upside-down "kingdom" he proclaims compare to that of monarchs like that of the venerable Queen Elizabeth II?

According to Matthew's gospel, Jesus's first message to his followers was "Repent, for the kingdom (reign) of God is at hand." Therefore, one's whole life, allegiance, and ultimately even one's citizenship are to become subject to the supreme rule of God. Jesus calls people to begin now to be a living demonstration of God's will being done by God's people right here on earth as it is done in heaven. 

In John's gospel Jesus makes it clear that his kingdom is "not of this world." But this doesn't mean it is not a kingdom very much for this world and for this very time and place. He is not talking about simply signing people up for a heavenly retirement home in the afterlife. Rather, he is about establishing communities of heaven-governed people all over the world who are committed to living and loving the way God does.

One of an English king or queen's titles is "Supreme Governor of the Church of England." To her credit, Elizabeth has made many statements that reflect her personal faith, as in this 2014 Christmas message to her nation: "For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none."

This sounds great, yet one wonders what questions Jesus would raise about his followers being a part of a monarchy. How much wealth should be invested to support a royal family? What kind of wardrobe should be provided? How many servants? How many castles?

Then there is the matter of our own American history. The nation's founders were in direct opposition not only to King George III's reign, but to the very notion of monarchy itself. They firmly believed a government should be totally of, by and for the people (at least white, male and landowning ones), and not governed by members of privileged royal dynasties who are also head of a state sponsored church.

In summary, Jesus would remind us of these words by Peter, one of his earliest followers:

Honor and respect all people (everywhere). Love each other (unconditionally). Fear and serve God (unreservedly). 

And yes, Honor those in positions of authority as well.

In the controversial film "Parable" shown at the Protestant Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair, Jesus is portrayed as a self-giving servant figure riding a donkey at the end of an elaborate and lavish circus parade.

Did Jesus Ever Ask People To Worship Him?

Can a focus on worshipping Jesus become a substitute for actually obeying Jesus?

Many of our Christian hymns and worship songs are about the worship and praise of Jesus as Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the Revelation, when this non-violent, suffering and slain "Lamb of God" is introduced, all heaven breaks loose with a new song, 

Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered, 

to receive power and wealth
and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing.

This is followed by a description of every living creature on earth joining heaven's hosts with,

To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb 
be blessings and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!

Yet when Jesus was here on earth he never asked anyone, neither his disciples, any individuals with whom he spoke, nor any of the crowds he addressed, to actually worship him.

By contrast, there are at least 22 instances in the gospels where Jesus called people to follow him, even at the cost of their reputations, their relationships, and their very lives. 

Clarence Jordan, a Baptist Jesus-follower who founded Koinonia Farm, an integrated Christian community in a then racially segregated Georgia, once remarked, “We worship the hind legs off Jesus, then not lift a finger to do a single thing he says.”

While that blanket statement was no doubt an expression of sheer frustration on Jordan’s part, it may also contain far too much truth.

It was Jesus himself who declared,

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

This does make clear that Jesus is enlisting fearless and faithful followers, not simply cheering fans.

                (scripture references are from the New Revised Standard Version)

Retirement: Planning A Well Executed Landing

The safe landing of any aircraft is a major accomplishment.

 Someone has observed that the landing of a plane is really a form of a controlled crash. A complex multi-ton aircraft is being allowed to ever so carefully let gravity ease it onto a runway, where reverse engine thrust and the plane's brakes finally bring it safely to a halt.

That has become for me a kind of metaphor for the change of pace and place we call retirement, a time for slowing down and preparing for our next and final flight.

Not surprisingly this transition isn't easy, and may come with some anxiety about the unknown. 

So how do we determine when and how to decelerate, circle the runway and touch down for what we hope will be a soft and safe landing?

Here are some of my own reflections:

1. I want to continue to be as productive as time and health permit, gradually decreasing my working hours rather than quitting everything all at once. I want to do this wisely, and know when to let go and to let others carry on and take over.

2. I want to remain active in my congregation and in other organizations that are doing good in the community. I hope that to "retire" may even become an opportunity to "retread" and to extend my usefulness.

3. I want to spend more quality time with others, deepening my relationships with existing friends, making some new ones, and enjoying more time with my wife, children, grandchildren and others in my circle of loved ones. 

4,  I want to be intentional about making amends wherever needed, to work at restoring any past relationships in need of repair.

5. I want to continue to downsize and simplify life by selling or giving away the unneeded accumulation of things our heirs will otherwise have to sort through and dispose of. 

6. I want to continue my education by reading good books I haven't found time for in the past, and by attending workshops, seminars and interest groups I can learn from and contribute to.

7. I want to prepare to die well, and to do some of the planning for my funeral and burial that will make it easier for those I leave behind.

8. I want to get adequate exercise, plenty of fresh air and good rest and otherwise take good care of my body for as long as it lasts.

May we all be remembered as having loved, lived and landed well.

My Nephew, A Missionary And Prolific Author, Is Given Less Than A Year To Live

Pablo Yoder, 64, with Martha, his beloved mother

Pablo Yoder grew up in Costa Rica as the fourth son of my brother Sanford and sister-in-law Martha and went on to become a missionary, church planter and author in Nicaragua. He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. 

In his own words:

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that you are rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”                                                                                                    --Philippians 1.21-26 

For quite some time I have been having some health issues. I was losing weight, had indigestion issues, seemed always tired and washed out. After doctoring and thinking it was my blood sugar, then amoeba’s and last of all gastritis, on Monday we finally discovered the truth.

In Matagalpa we did an ultrasound on my abdomen, which was giving me issues. The doctor that did the ultrasound started slowly, and very soon threw up his hands, asking, “Haven’t you had an ultrasound done on you lately?”

“No.”

He kept on looking, measuring, and shaking his head. Then he turned from his screen and asked, “How do you want the news, in fancy words, or the plain truth?”

“The plain truth,” Jacinto replied.

“I find a large tumor on the left kidney, and many tumors on the liver. This does not look good.”

God had prepared me recently, with my wife and I talking about me dying. I knew that things were not well. But to hear this kind man tell us the truth was overwhelming, and I fought to not burst out crying.

Next the doctor ordered an Xray on my lungs. And that was also riddled with tumors.

One of the last things the ultrasound doctor said to Jacinto was, “If it were my dad, I would not let them do anything invasive. It will only make it worse. I would take him home, make him as comfortable as possible for the rest of his days.”

Jacinto and I left the office in a daze and found our wives. Then out on the street, in a very touching, tender moment, we told them the truth.

Next, we found a restaurant. I still have not lost my appetite, so we had a special meal together, discussing what this meant for our future.

That same day we traveled to Managua for an MRI and a second opinion. We took the results of the MRI to a cancer specialist, and he was also kind and frank with us. Stage four cancer. My main tumor on my kidney, I named him Nero because he is so wicked, almost weighs a pound and measures 11 centimeters. Nero is pressuring my colon, which makes digestive problems. But so far so good. I have no pain, only a weakness.

I solicit prayer, especially for my family. This is hard for them to think of losing their husband/dad. And we have many decisions to make.

I feel like the ultrasound doctor’s advice seems very good. The whole family is getting together on Saturday. We plan to have a special time of bonding while I still feel good. And together we face all the decisions.

I will be asking for anointing with oil soon. If God chooses to heal me, I will serve him with joy!

Sunday morning, the first time to church since we discovered the truth, the two churches that I oversee, will get together to worship and to give testimony. We want to sing and praise the good God. I have lived with no regrets. Except not to have served God better. And if I am honest, I long for rest. That eternal rest that awaits the faithful.

Nine years ago, when I had GBS, I was ready to say goodbye to this old world. Then God healed me and gave me nine more EXCELLENT years. Why would I complain if God wants to take me home now? I am ready. I am not afraid. I am just on the altar to see what God has for me.

To die is great gain, the Apostle Paul said. But then he told the Philippians that he knew he was staying yet because he had so much work to do. God revealed that to him. I do not feel that assurance this time. In fact, I hear a summons that makes my heart beat high with joy. In my worship this morning I could not help but thank God over and over for the privilege to have lived 64 years on this earth and to be part of his kingdom.

I will not be able to answer all the emails this post will produce. But I thank each of you for your prayers and support now and always. You all have been a special part of the life of my family and me.

God bless you!

Pablo 

 

Here's a list of Pablo's https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/pablo-yoder/494049/