Saturday, December 23, 2023
- Reflection by Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen
“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
Psalm 32:8
One of the things that I deeply appreciate about the culture of Wartburg Seminary (and no one embodies this better than our Vice President for Leadership Formation, Dr. Kris Stache), is the way we embrace being both a teaching and a learning institution. Certainly, we take pride in the fact that we have proven experience, skill and expertise in teaching—in forming students for public ministry. But at the same time, we also take pride in the fact that we don’t have it all figured out, we are not afraid to make mistakes and fail, and we are not embarrassed to admit when we get it wrong. These two things are not opposed—in fact, they go together very well, and enhance each other.
What is true for institutions is true for individuals, too. As we go through life gaining expertise and experience in various roles and professions, we often find ourselves in leadership positions—positions where we are teaching and mentoring others. And this is an honor and a responsibility. But at the same time, we do well to remember that even in these positions, it is important to maintain a disposition of discovery, growth and change; a disposition of humility and openness to what we can learn from others. And, most importantly, to be open to what we daily learn from the Triune God, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Our God is a God who continually says to us, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Our God is a God who continually invites us to see the world anew, see our neighbors with fresh eyes, and perceive all the ways God at work in the world and in our lives in fresh and unexpected ways. Each day, God places in our path people to meet and situations to learn from, ways our faith and fellowship can deepen and grow.
Our God has God’s loving eye continually upon us, watching over us and guiding our steps. And, through the power of the incarnation, God’s gracious guidance comes not from afar, but from “aclose”—in the intimacy of the One who knows us from the inside out, who shares our flesh and breath, whose body is composed of the same elements that make up all life in the universe. As the birth of Christ draws near, may our ears be open to hear his voice, our minds be open to harken to his wisdom, and our hearts be open to his leading.
O Wisdom, descend upon us and fill us with your presence. May we go where you call us, may we learn at your feet, may we walk in your ways. And always, may we rejoice to call you our Savior and Lord. In the name of the Holy One, Jesus Christ. AMEN.