Obrei and I are going on a trip this summer where we’ll fly into Canada, so I applied for a passport this week. I Googled what to do, and found a ten-step process, which was really two: fill out a form and go to an office to apply. As someone who dislikes paperwork, the form was as fun as I expected. I was directed to a nearby post office. At the post office, I learned the passport office was appointment only and I needed to go to a different website to make an appointment. The next appointment was a month away.
I found another place to make an appointment and went the next morning. I handed them my paperwork and watched the clerk frown. My birth certificate was “short form”; it needed a small letter “i” for them to accept it. I could go to the County Clerk’s office to print a new one with the “i”, but at that office, they told me, “No refunds,” because they didn’t know if the “i” would print. It barely showed up, but it was there. I went back to the passport office and, after several other bumps including smiling for the picture, I eventually successfully applied. It was frustrating, but I don’t begrudge the process or anyone involved. This is the way the world works.
But if I want to go on a journey with Jesus, all I need to do is say, “Yes,” to God to learn to love God and neighbor. I’m happy to go to Canada, but I must admit, I prefer Jesus’ process to the world’s.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Luke