Nebraska 🤷‍♂️

Today I rode to Nebraska. I don’t think I have ever been in Nebraska. If so, it was just to drive through or fly over. I remember back in January when Bishop Cole visited St. James, he talked about those “fly-over” states. I think he was actually talking about Omaha, Nebraska. Anyhow, I think this is my first time in Nebraska.

I’m staying the night at a small quiet motel on the edge of town. It’s a sweet little gem. The ride in was quite enjoyable, starting out at 74° and ending up about 68°. The weather is supposed to start changing (rain and storms) so I’m going to watch it closely. In the video, you can actually see the sky changing.

Today, I was mostly thinking about “fly-over” mid-west/western states that are full of pasture and farmland. About every 12-25 miles, I would pass through a small town. About every 6 to 7 miles, I would see a house or a barn in the distance. The terrain changed today from ultra flat to rolling hills. The winds were not as bad as yesterday. What was interesting, while listening to the radio, they gave agriculture reports about the price of grain, corn, beef, pork, etc… I’ve never heard that on the radio anywhere that I’ve lived, and I’ve live in rural areas. I also noticed a number of “for sale” signs. I’m wondering if current economic challenges have caused farms to sell off some land.

When I noticed something, such as a train, a body of water, a cow, a grain elevator, an oil well… I took a picture of it, trying to capture my ride and give folks a glimpse of what I experienced. I would suggest that you visit Nebraska at least once in your life. 

Surprises and changes are a part of life, and they sure are a part of ministry. Rolling with them and experiencing them without the need to fight against them or force them is a task we could all learn. As I experienced the difference in the terrain from what I am accustomed to, it awakened a part of me to pay further attention… to look for things I don’t normally see. 

Many folks go through life with their eyes shut, not experiencing anything outside of their own views, ideas, and opinions. This causes tunnel vision and insular thinking. The more we experience, the broader our world view and perspective is. It’s like backing up (getting on the bleachers) to see the whole game and not just stare in the end-zone.

In his ministry, Jesus went beyond Galilee into the surrounding areas, even in non-Jewish territory. He experienced people and places he could get to (he walked everywhere) and usually made an impact everywhere he went. He didn’t go in to “fix” anything. He went to love, heal, and teach. He taught inclusion and accepted folks that the religious authorities alienated from the community. He accepted folks who were not of the same faith or beliefs. I believe it was because he saw the bigger picture of how the world could be reconciled and be made whole.

Challenge to St. James and Self: Experience something new this week. Think about how it impacts your life and causes you to think differently about the bigger picture of things.