The Pastoral Grind

(Originally written for Douglas County Publishing: Pastor's Meditation February 5, 2019) Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16). But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander (1 Peter 3:15-16). When I moved to Corsica a little over 4 years ago, I had never ice fished in my life.   I had heard about it.   I had occasionally seen someone sitting on a bucket or in a shack on