My friend John Nordstrom Sr., planted a church in 1971 (Christ Community Church, Ottawa, Illinois), which is still strong and healthy to this day. He has retired, sort of. He still disciples believers, prays, and provides any help he can to the church he has loved for so long. He just turned 81 and still gives the devil what-for, every chance he gets. I love him. He’s the picture of what a human being can become when they accept the calling of what Eugene Peterson called, “a long obedience in the same direction.” He’s filled with the Holy Spirit. He’s sweet, funny, full of wisdom - and boy does he love Jesus. What more could you ask for?
Recently, during a day of church meetings I had the opportunity to hang out with him. Anytime I get to spend time with leaders like John, I anticipate the moments and try to find a question for them to mull over and respond to.
When we had a chance to talk, I asked him, “How old were you when you preached your first sermon?”
“Twenty or twenty-five. Hard to say.” He answered with a smile.
Note: I’m still not sure about that answer. Who doesn’t remember the first time they preached? John is Spirit-filled, but still ornery. I think in the moment he just didn’t want to remember that hard. I’ve seen this before. Though he has stepped aside from formal leadership he’s always willing to be present if requested, and he’s often requested. On a completely separate occasion, mid-morning at a meeting, he interrupted the discussion and said something like, “Ladies and gentlemen ... I know the meeting isn’t over, but well, I, uh… well … (pause)… I don’t want to be here anymore. I’m not employed here, and I have grandkids or donuts or something waiting on me. So, I’m leaving.” It was the highlight of my day and one of the funniest things I’ve ever experienced in a meeting.
Back to the story.
So that night I probed him with a second question: “If 81-year-old John could talk to the hard to say twenty or twenty-five-year-old, John, what would you say to him?”
“Oh,” he responded, “I’ll have to think on that a bit.” So, we went on about our socializing. Sometime later in the evening he came back with an answer: “Look for clues.”
I asked for clarification.
He said, “Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, look for clues to what the Holy Spirit is doing. Look for clues in yourself, your church, your family, everywhere. We say God is at work! Do we believe it? If so, why wouldn’t we be more curious and less frustrated. Just makes sense.” (I’m paraphrasing but remain true to his advice.)
He went on matter-of-factly: “We don’t always have to know, you know? Sometimes, we’re better off saying, ‘I don’t know.’ And then sometimes, we think we know, but don’t. Look for clues, and when you find one follow it and get on board with what God is doing.”
I’ve been thinking about John’s advice:
“Look for clues.”
More curious and less frustrated sounds much better than angry and stubborn.
I like it.
So, what clues are around you right now you might be missing? What is God trying to show you, but you’re looking at his finger instead of where He is pointing? Maybe spend today more curious? Ask more questions. Look for spiritual footprints and fingerprints. Look around. Investigate. Read that verse again. Pray that prayer again… but differently. Ask a different friend. Look at the problem from a different angle. Listen to a different voice. In silence, hear the whisper. Less chaos. Less noise. Who told you, you must know today? Sleep on it.
I think that’s great advice and I’m going to take it.
Thank you, and happy birthday to my friend John Nordstrom Sr.!
Note: I called him a couple days late to wish him happy birthday and ask a few questions about clues. The conversation went like this: “Sorry I’m late.” I told him. His response was genuinely John, “Well I was pretty torn up about it, but since you’re calling now, even though you’re late, I guess I’ll get over it.”
What a guy. What a leader. What a friend.
Peace,
Brian
