Fully engaged!
By NANCY LAMBING
Hillsboro United Methodist Church pastor
Parents have known it the moment they become parents. Teachers have experienced it for ages. Employers have seen it. Pastors are challenged by it. Counselors work with it. Now specialists in communication and relationships have studied it and put a name on it! Engaged, somewhat engaged, disengaged.
We know how it works. The "engaged" person makes eye contact, puts all their effort into the situation, and goes the additional mile to complete the task. The "somewhat engaged" person does what needs to be done or pays attention as necessary. The "disengaged" person does as little as necessary and even avoids contact when possible.
As a pastor, I believe one becomes "engaged" in life when one experiences God's love and grace. God seeks to pull us in to a relationship of compassion and care. God reaches out to us with mercy and forgiveness.
We become "engaged" when we say "yes" to God. Saying "yes" to God means we are never alone, there is a hand to guide us, and a heart to love us. Saying "yes" to God means we can risk living life to its fullest because God will empower us, carry us, and forgive us when we fall short. What a wonderful way to live and experience life!
