334 SE Tecumseh Road  P.O. Box 5  Tecumseh, Kansas 66542  (785) 379-5005  Fax - (785) 379-5061

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Sky Gazing Acts 1:1-11  [This meditation was written for Tecumseh UMC on May 23, 2004. It is rerun, with only slight editing, because Pastor Piet has simply run out of time (and gas? No, never.)] Dottie and I lived in Atlanta, Georgia from 1987-92. In the last two years, Dottie served as Pastor of Belmont UMC. On a good Sunday, there might be as many as twelve of us in worship, including Dottie, Piet, and the pianist. We resided in the Belmont parsonage, easily the most humble dwelling in which we’ve ever resided. However, that humble dwelling was located on nine acres of woods [or timber, as folks like to say around here] and it also had its very own pond. The house was totally invisible from the street, so even though we were surrounded by apartment buildings, there was this illusion of privacy and isolation. It was our own little paradise, situated in the midst of the ever-encroaching metropolis. In taking care of the property, I had the privilege of cutting only that part of the grass immediately adjacent to the house. The rest of the grasses I allowed to just flourish, which brought forth numerous wildflowers. (Need I remind you that I’m of the opinion that the cutting of grass is one of our futile endeavors? Who made the decision that short grass is prettier than tall grass – I ask you, who decided that? Probably some Dutchman.) Oh well, I digress – as usual.  One day, when wandering in our personal forest, I accidentally discovered a trickle of running water. I followed it back, cleared out brush and leaves, and there it was – bubbling up through some pristine sand was a small spring! I tell you, I felt as if I had made some great discovery, much like explorers of old. From that day forward, I kept the spring cleared. I frequently went there just to dip my hands in the cold water. I followed the tiny stream, which worked its way to the pond, thus freshening the water for our very own frogs, turtles and birds. The spring received its very own name: the fountain of youth. I often think of Belmont UMC, of the parsonage, of the paradise, of grass I did not have to mow. It felt so good to place my hands in those waters. This little miracle served to bring me just a bit closer to God – do you know what I mean? I don’t have such a magical spot to go to at this point in my life, and I crave one. I’m just waiting around for God to provide me another such place.  Sometimes we find ourselves standing around, just gazing into the sky, waiting for Jesus to return. Pretty soon, others notice and do the same – there all of us are, like sheep, just gazing into the sky and waiting for Jesus. In the meantime, the kingdom of God on earth is just passing us by and we don’t notice that there are poor to be fed. We’re too busy worrying about the day Jesus returns, and we don’t intend to be left behind you know. There are fountains of youth all around us, waiting for us to dip our hands into the cooling, spirit-filled waters. They’re all around us. Really.  - Pastor Piet - May 20, 2007- Ascension Sunday