Visitation

During those days, Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. . . . Mary remained with her for about three months, and then returned to her home. Luke 1:39-40, 56

So I've been visiting....visiting some members of the congregation who are dealing with advancing age and the issues of being home bound, or dealing with long term illness, or just dealing (with the mess of life). Visiting...not my gift. I'm a huge introvert. Oh, not after I know you well, but it takes me quite a while to open up. As well I'm a huge introvert on the Myers Briggs Personality Type scale. If you know anything about that, being an introvert is not so much about being shy and quiet as it is about getting your energy from inside rather than from outside in the world. What that means is that things of the world....entertaining, engaging, active sorts of endeavors....drain me rather than fill me up. I get filled up from the solitude of my house, from being alone. I have a daughter who is a huge extrovert. Go to the mall with a bunch of friends, go to the movies, all go out to eat, play a game of cards, and then she will turn to me and say "what shall we do next?" ... when I am ready to collapse from just two of those activities!

SO, visiting, not my gift! Small talk ... not my gift, either. I'm one of those people at parties who is always wondering 'what shall I say next?' 'what can we possibly talk about next?' Just not my comfort zone. So what happens when someone like me takes on a pastoral role? Getting to know congregants, visiting the ill and the troubled....all of these activities are crucial for a pastor. Knowing my weaknesses in these areas, I set part of my learning/serving covenant around the needs of visitation. And I set out to make my first calls.

Well, I didn't exactly just 'set out.' I ruminated over them for days! How in the world could I be of service to these people? Challenged as I am socially, how could I bring them some pastoral care? How would I know what to talk about? Most importantly, how would I know when to leave?!

As usual, God provides the answers. I called to make a few appointments: 'I thought I might just stop by to visit, so we can get to know each other better.' I was not prepared for the eagerness with which my offers were received. So now I was committed! Driving to my first visit I tried to calm myself; just follow their lead, just ask about their families, ask about their lives. But I found, like Mary, I did not have to do much asking! I was treated to such warmth, such generosity, such sharing. I was the one being ministered to!

Each family I have visited has amazed me with their openness and willingness to share their lives with me. Pictures are brought out, old family stories told...some that make you laugh and some that make you cry. The honesty of lives that have had joys as well as sadness shared with me like we were old friends. An invitation into their families, into their stories. I have been honored and humbled by every visit I have made. And I have been touched and transformed. And I have stayed a long time! Mary stayed three months with Elizabeth. Now I know why!