a holy mess

I ran into a friend and colleague at the Interchurch Center a couple of days ago, so we went to his office to catch up on life and church business. As we entered his office, he said, “please excuse this ‘holy mess.’” In a way, that’s the story of my life. Let me explain, and I promise to be brief.

Please excuse me, because I am a “holy mess.” First, I simply am a human being saved by the grace of God. In a manner of speaking, all human life is but a mess. We are all broken people in broken relationships, living broken lives on a broken planet. I repeat: life is a mess.

And my story is no different, even though I am a Christian, who is called to live like Christ. Yes all Christians are called to be holy—because God in Christ through the power of the Spirit is holy. I am called to the ordained ministry, and humbly I walk in this awesome and wonderful responsibility. But this does not negate the fact that I am human, and thus I am a mess, too. I do not have all the answers. I do not always value the beauty of family and friendships. Sometimes I allow myself to be too busy to enjoy the simple mysteries and joys of life. I often make mistakes. I fail to live out the best of God each and every waking moment. I “sin” (whatever sin really is). But I am striving to walk in the way that leads to life. Please do not forget that the best I can be, though, is a “holy mess.” Period, full stop.