I’ve never been a particular fan of Gene Autry.  In fact, it’s likely that the only reason I’m acquainted with this song of his is because of a comedy album by The Firesign Theatre that was regularly quoted in my dorm during my freshman year in college.  Thus, to be sure I have the actual words from Mr. Autry, I googled the lyrics before typing them:  “I’m back in the saddle again, out where a friend is a friend, where the longhorn cattle feed on the lowly jimson weed. I’m back in the saddle again.”
 
On this Thanksgiving Day I am thankful to the Lord, who is good and from whom all blessings flow, for many, many things – as I am sure you are.  I also am quite sure that many of the items on my list also appear on yours.  However, there is something new on my list this year.  You may have guessed it by now: “I’m back in the saddle again!”
 
It’s definitely not the same saddle, but it is one that is very similar – one that I’m expecting to be even more comfortable than the old one (built for an old guy like me).  It’s in a territory where I am certain “a friend is a friend.”  However, instead of longhorns and jimson, the environment is filled with sheep feeding on Christ’s Word and Sacrament.
 
As it was officially announced in the worship folder last Sunday, I am now pastor emeritus and visitation pastor for Saint Thomas Lutheran, Eastpointe.  Yes, this is the church from which I retired nearly two years ago.  And, yes, they have a wonderful new Senior Pastor under whom I will be serving.  Thus, along with being thankful, I am feeling honored and privileged to be “back in the saddle again.”
 
Yes, you will be seeing Monica and me in the pews more frequently (but we will still be visiting other churches regularly).  No, I don’t have all the specifics of what I will be doing yet (however, it should have no effect upon the publication of Thursday’s Thirst).  And one more thing, if you are someone who has not been seen in the pews at STL lately, allow me to take this opportunity to encourage you to get – how do we say it – “back in the saddle again” (you are missed … and I will be looking for you).
 
As I wrapped up my time leading a Bible class at a sister congregation about six months ago, someone gave me a little bracelet with a message inscribed on the inside.  The message, though I’m not quoting it word for word, said to me, “You may be retired and old, but you are still called to make a difference in people’s lives).  I think this is a message all of us need to be aware of … including (of course) also those who are neither retired nor old.
 
We are alive on this earth for a purpose … there is a reason why God does not zap us up to heaven the moment we come to faith.  You know what our Lord has to say.  “We are (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2.10)  “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2.17)  “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4.15-16)
 
So, what’s new on your Thanksgiving list this year?  And, while I’m asking, how do you hope to make a positive difference in our world during the year to come?  How do you see God putting you “back in the saddle again” during the year ahead?
 
As you consider these things, I invite you to sing with me this great hymn written by Fred Pratt Green: For the fruits of His creation, Thanks be to God.
For his gifts to every nation, Thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,
Future needs in earth’s safe-keeping, Thanks be to God.
 
In the just reward of labor, God’s will is done.
In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will is done.
In our world-wide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,
In the harvest we are sharing, God’s will is done.
 
For the harvests of the Spirit, Thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit, Thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,
Most of all, that love has found us, Thanks be to God.

And, thanks be to God, we are all “back in the saddle again” … called and equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of others during the year ahead.

Back in the Saddle Again
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