Dear Rose Park,
Last week Thursday, I went for a run in Riley Trails. I followed the blue signs winding my way through the east side first and then finishing on the west side. I typically listen to music or a podcast when I go for a run, but not inside Riley Trails. With all the blind corners and the addition of bikers and walkers, it seems best to have all my senses alert to what’s happening around me. Last Thursday however, I was reminded yet again of what can happen when you’re not paying attention.
During one of the rare straightaways in Riley Trails, I saw someone walking towards me about 200 feet away. He had his head down and clearly, he was deep in thought. I had hoped the sound of my footfalls would alert him to my presence, but he didn’t seem to notice. Finally, at about fifty feet, I took a deep inhale and a loud exhale in hopes of gently alerting him of my presence. Though I did not intend to scare him, I clearly did. He let out a yelp and put his hand to his chest.
I apologized for scaring him. He apologized for not paying attention. As we went our separate ways, I considered how even when we don’t intend to hurt or scare someone, we still can. At this thought, I thought of Rose Park. Specifically, I thought of the words from our liturgy for a Service of Farewell and Godspeed for Pastor and Congregation. Below is a brief snippet of that liturgy.
Pastor: I thank you, my sisters and brothers, for the love, kindness, and support shown me these past years. I am grateful for the ministry we have shared together. With joy I recall what we accomplished with God’s help, and with sadness those dreams not fulfilled. I ask your forgiveness for mistakes made and expectations not met.
Just as I apologized for unintentionally scaring that walker, so too do I apologize for those unintentional moments where mistakes were made and where I did not meet your expectations. I apologize for anything said or unsaid, done or undone, that did not align with Christ and did not point you towards Him. Though it was unintended, I still seek your forgiveness so that we model to our community and world what grace and reconciliation looks like.
At the same time, I am deeply grateful for all the ministry we have shared together. I will cherish all those memories of connection, empowerment, and reconciliation. And with joy, I will continue to give thanks to God for all that we accomplished with His help.
Grace & Peace,
