One Sunday, our pastor said, “You’re dismissed.”
“Oh, no you’re not,” I shouted, making a short announcement about the way God has been at work in my life. Just when I think I’m dismissed—whether in church life, parenting or retirement—God says “No, you’re not!”
I did not grow up in a Christian home. Don’t get me wrong, my parents were moral, but they didn’t know Jesus. When I moved to Ulysses, Kansas, to teach second grade, I “tried out” a few churches but didn’t find a home church until a little girl in my class invited me to the church where her daddy preached. I met Jesus at Patterson Avenue Church of God, which merged with New Life Church, an MB congregation, in 2019.
Like many other people of faith, I have struggled with surrender and obedience. I still do at times. My husband and I sometimes have differing opinions on tithing and time spent at church or in Bible studies. Church can keep us busy, and we might think we’ve done enough. I’ve heard people say, “I taught Sunday school when my kids were little or washed dishes after carry-in dinners when I was younger. It’s my turn to sit back and relax.” But am I dismissed from ministry? No!
When the kids leave home, it’s easy to feel dismissed from parenting or being present at ball games or school activities. We have three adult children, and it’s heartbreaking to see our children and grandchildren make poor choices. I know, now, that parenting never actually stops, and I am committed to praying for their return to the Lord. I’ve surrendered my will for our kids—which has been crazy hard—but I’m not dismissed.
When I retired after teaching 40 years, I went straight to my new dream job as secretary at New Beginnings Community Church. Sometimes, people pull back from community involvement in retirement, but I’ve found new purpose in activities at the senior center, through projects at our local chamber of commerce and serving on volunteer boards for my community and region. I am retired but not dismissed.
Now that I’m retired, I shouldn’t have excuses for spending time in the Word and praying, but I do. The Lord is constantly calling me to come into his presence and be still. I find that journaling pulls me back—I have a drawer full of journals to pass on. I love my quiet time, and I’m beginning to hide God’s Word in my heart, too, so when the enemy whispers, “You’re dismissed,” I can fire back, “Oh, no I’m not!” Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (ESV).
I’m choosing to stay connected and invested in the community where I live and volunteer. One day I’ll hear, “Well done, now you’re dismissed.” Until then—Oh, no I’m not.
Cathy Cavasos serves as secretary at New Beginnings Community Church in Ulysses, Kansas. She has been married to Tony for 38 years, and they have three adult children and two grandchildren. She enjoys walking and crochet.
