Consider, for a moment, how many decisions you make each day without any real thought. So much of our living is a matter of going through the motions. However, there are some decisions that truly impact life not only at the moment the decision is made, but also for years to come. Such is the case in a decision made by H. Foster Clippenger and his wife Charlotte. The Clippengers joined this congregation October 15, 1911. At some point in time, Mr. and Mrs. Clippenger made the decision to include this community of faith in their last will and testament. All these many years later, long after the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Clippenger, the other beneficiaries of their estate have died and we, the people of Meridian Street United Methodist Church have received a lovely donation. Now don’t get too excited, it is not a million dollars, but it is an unexpected and generous gift.
Imagine, making a decision today that would bring blessing nearly a hundred years later. It causes me to pause and consider more carefully the decisions I make today, but also to embrace a larger world view so that I see the possibility for making decisions today that could indeed bring a blessing to others in the future.
The gift of the Clippengers is one gift among many from the generosity of those who have been connected to this congregation since 1821. Thousands of lives have been changed over the decades as members have invited friends and family to the church to join in the faith journey as a part of the family of God. For the last 188 years, children, youth and adults have experienced the love of God in this community and have allowed that love to shape their lives. Countless others have been touched by God’s grace through the decisions of members to extend themselves in outreach and mission projects in this city and far beyond. The impact of each decision for living life as a disciple of Christ has transformed not only the life of that individual member, but also the lives many others blessed by the faithful living of each member.
It is never too late to make a decision to offer our very lives to Christ. In so doing, we are invited to discover how that choice can begin to shape all the other decisions we make in life. I pray that you rejoice in this day of grace and consider how the unconditional, everlasting, all encompassing love of God will influence the decisions you make today. Who knows, maybe someone a hundred years down the road will find blessing by a decision you make in 2009.
Anne
