Faces on Faith: Success
On Epiphany Sunday last month, we once again gave out “star words.” Some people call them a “word for the year.” With our star words, the word chooses you. They are passed out in small envelopes. The word is intended to be reflected on through the coming year. Look it up in the dictionary. Find it, or its synonym, in the Bible and read those passages. Sit with it in a moment of quiet at the beginning of the day. A simple spiritual practice intended to open a path for God to speak to you in a new way.
Last year my star word was “attitude.” It sat on top of my dresser, so I saw it each morning and evening. It was a wonderful way to reflect on how I would approach the joys and challenges of the day as we rebuilt our buildings and continued to engage in ministry as followers of Jesus.
I received my star word during the 10:30 service this year. I couldn’t believe it: “Success.” When I went to the pulpit to share my word with the congregation, people clapped. Yes, we have achieved some success. We were sitting in our beautiful, rebuilt sanctuary. We enjoyed spirited Christmas services there. Our long rebuilding project has been a success thanks to the hard work and dedication of a whole lot of people.
I placed my new star word in its place on my dresser. But as I began to reflect on “success,” I could hear a still, small voice reminding me that there is more to life than material success. Jesus’ words “For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?” (Mark 8:36) came to mind. Perhaps God was calling me to look for something deeper. Perhaps God is calling me to look for, and work at, spiritual success.
And then a lovely parishioner sent me this:
SUCCESS
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yes indeed. I love my new star word.
The Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss is the rector at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.