For most of my ministry, I saw myself as climbing a mountain — college, seminary, ordination, early service and so forth. Getting underway. Nearly everything still out ahead. Far from the mountain peak, but constantly ascending.
By now the picture has changed. I am running a relay race. The baton is in my hand. I am rounding the turn at the far end of the track, and my teammates are waiting for me on the straightaway just ahead. They are younger than I am, though they won’t stay young for long. They will soon be in my position. But right now, my responsibility is to get this baton into their hands. Not that I think I’m good at this. I’ve never been here before. But it’s a privilege, and the time has come.
Okay, Lord, let’s go for it.
