How well do you know the people living in your neighbourhood? Reconciliation begins by taking that first step to know our neighbour. There was a story I once read about a Lutheran pastor who was new in town — it could have happened to people of any denomination though, and probably has.
First steps to reconciliation
There was a new Lutheran pastor in town. He bought a house in a nice neighbourhood and was enjoying meeting his neighbours, mostly with short chats across the fence. One day his neighbour talked about some shelves he had made in his family room, and he invited the pastor in to see them. As they were admiring the handiwork, the pastor noticed a copy of a denominational magazine called The Lutheran. He asked, “Oh, are you Lutheran?”
The neighbour said, “Oh yeah, sure. I belong to Grace Lutheran Church.”
“Grace Lutheran?” asked the pastor.
“Yes. Do you know it?” replied the neighbour.
“Yes,” the pastor said, extending his hand, “I’m your pastor.”
Neither was sure who was more embarrassed. Fences come down and lives are reconciled when we take that risk of knowing and being known by the other.
About Paul Sibley
Andrew Gosden (now 18) has been missing from his Doncaster home since 14 September 2007. The search continues.
Elizabeth Jackson on 