Holy Week Lessons and Tasks

This morning I went to a Lenten breakfast. It was the last in a series of four very early Saturday morning meals and lessons. My goal was to attend all four occasions this year. Mission accomplished! But God had much more in mind for me today in the form of a real life, day-long parable!

As the breakfast began, my name was unexpectedly announced twice during the opening introductions, however, I was not the speaker. Even though I’m now “semi”-retired, I must admit that I do enjoy when people call me “Pastor Bonnie.” I consider it a humble salutation, but I don’t believe I was quite humble enough based on what I learned today, the day before Palm Sunday.

The speaker at breakfast talked about his journey along the way of becoming a clergyman. He described his aspirations and likeness to “Superman” and “Spiderman” and “Clergyman”! Through his journey he learned that it wasn’t about what he was called or what he did, but about what Jesus did…and that names really didn’t matter that much except the sweet and holy name of Jesus.

As in the previous meals, I ate entirely too much, but the fellowship and the speaker were warm and welcoming. Now … onto goal # 2 for the day.

Next stop, I drove to another church to help with an Easter scavenger hunt. The children at my assigned “station” were greeted by three jars of jellybeans and were challenged to guess the amounts in each jar to win the yummy beans.

There were other adults helping the children fill out the contest entry slips, so I decided to hand out Easter stickers as the parents and children exited the area.

One small boy (about 4 years old?) approached me with a gleeful, mischievous gleam in his eyes and looked me square in the face and asked, “Do you know my name?”

Thinking he was challenging me to a guessing game, I told him, “No but do you know mine?” Immediately, he looked at me and said, “Yes! You’re Pastor Bonnie!” He wasn’t teasing at all! He really knew my name!

Now instead of feeling proud of my very own title, I felt ashamed. I should have known his name, but I did not. I believe he is one of the 100+ children I see for a few minutes each month to teach Bible stories in the local Preschool.

As the family left for the next scavenger hunt station, deep guilt surrounded my heart as this sweet child departed gleefully with his little Easter stickers.

Yet, even as I write this piece, I feel so terrible and filled with tears. “Pastor Bonnie” should have known better. I feel I let him down or disappointed his little spirit regardless of the happy smile on his face. I prayed for this young boy and asked God for forgiveness. (God never forgets a name!)

I felt I might have scarred him for life, like some stories I have heard from younger generation — you know, the ones about the “bad experiences” they had at church. This was an awful reason to never return to worship God in community. I want no part in that — ever!

The title “Pastor Bonnie” suddenly carried no esteem or pride at all; this “likeable” “clergyman” title that I experienced an hour before at the Lenten breakfast was now despised in my heart.

Considering it all and through my guilty tears, God shared his wisdom and divine preparation with me. Ask, seek and knock. He delivers.

Next time someone asks me if I know their name and I do not, I will quickly and joyfully respond, “Yes! You are my friend!” Then ask them to kindly remind me of their name if appropriate to do so. I will try to do better at “Do No Harm” and avoid saying “No” because no adult or child ever wants to be invisible, seem unimportant or unknown. Our Father would never support that. Nor shall I.

Task # 3 for the day was to enjoy a trip with my youngest granddaughter to an Easter Concert with a full orchestra, over 150+ beautiful voices and a children’s choir. I was invited by a friend, and through texting, I became acquainted with the music director a few days before.

I explained that every year I try to find an uplifting, positive event to celebrate the life of my twin sister, Brenda, who died at sunrise on Easter morning many years before. (I miss her dearly, even 30 years later…just picking up the phone to connect with her about anything and everything at all! Broken connections can feel so painfully devastating!) Seeking life-giving events are very important to me, especially around Eastertime.

This concert and choir event surely did not disappoint. In fact, it was especially anointed! The songs, the voices and music, the videos and pictures all told the daily story of Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. From cruelty and death to the resurrection of Jesus and the promise it holds for each of us in all eternity.

My Granddaughter was thrilled, as was I, to meet the music director at the conclusion of the performance. I did not expect this gentleman to fall on his knees at the end of the stage and extended a big hug to tell me he had hoped the performance was a fitting tribute to my sister!!! Seriously?? This was a fitting tribute to our mighty King Jesus himself! Brenda always loved Jesus!  I am certain they were both humbly and mightily pleased watching it together.

Afterward, we walked through the lobby attempting to meet the friends who invited me, but we did not connect. I’m sure it was a long day for them and, rightfully so, they departed for some much needed rest from the concert. They were both singers in the lovely ecumenical choir!

This whole day was part of the experience of Holy Week as it was meant to be. An experience with Christ and His people. An experience I want to live everyday with Him!

Our Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit are, in essence, the only names that matter.

It is not I, nor “Pastor Bonnie,” but He – Adoni, El Shaddai-God Almighty, alone!

All honor and glory belong to our great and loving God—the one who prepares us for all eternity.

I am humbled and praise God for all He has done and does, including for my twin sister, Brenda. My next task for this Holy week and with God’s help is to work on more gratitude in order to rebuke depressing or negative thoughts.

God, please give me strength.

Jesus told His disciples, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

Bonnie Zickgraf is a retired pastor, author and an RN in mental health nursing and health plan accreditations. Send comments and prayer requests to bonniezickgraf@gmail.com.