Lenten Repenting in Frankenmuth

A durable definition of development is “reduction in vulnerability.” I can’t think of a time in my twenty-eight years of public life as an adult when I have not been associated with a local or global, faith-based organization seeking to assist families and children in developing better lives. I can think of times when I’ve been more attentive to causes of the poor and less diverted by the economic realities of the relatively affluent.

Served by banquet staff in lederhosen this past Saturday in Frankenmuth, MI, a mentor to me and many, Dr. Robert Miles, surprised me with an award from the organization he heads, Lutheran Child and Family Services of Michigan. I’d say my response to this “Friend of Children” award was bumbling. My words stumbled because of the thoughts of regret chasing through my mind. Even while Bob was graciously lauding me, I was considering—confessing, perhaps—the ways I’ve been way too focused lately on this economic crisis. Of course non-profits are economically vulnerable, but not more vulnerable than children burned by a deadly downdraft of disease, violence, poverty and daily crises. Thanks, Bob. Your words and that award call me back to more perspective.

Success is a process. As a president and CEO who sees himself in perpetual development, these days I need a personal reduction in my preoccupation with this troublesome economic situation. Yes, money matters to our ministries, but never more than the children and families at risk. Those communities digging themselves out of poverty, those for whom LCFS and Lutheran World Relief exist, deserve the priority of our best imagination and most visionary creativity—energy currently being over-expended by me on how to stay ahead of curve in this fiscal crisis.

Lord, make me an even better friend of children. Give me your Spirit and clarity, especially through times of economic crisis! Amen.

So, the child-focused theme of this blog entry gives me a good excuse for posting a favorite photo of one of my grandsons, Malachi Emmanuel, who’s currently living in Baltimore with Monique and me.

On to Peru...