Sabbath Thought – Looking Back, Looking Forward

Around this time 20 years ago, my family and I moved to Wisconsin. Anniversaries are appropriate times to reflect – whether it is a birthday, a wedding date, years of service, or any other event that can shape our life.

Unbeknownst to me when I was much younger, God was shaping me from an early age for a life of service He would lead me to. Before I was hired full-time by United my graphic artist career was fraught with challenges of short employment, conflicts with the Sabbath or Holy Days, and really terrible bosses. When I was approached and asked to become a full-time pastor, I was ready for a change. I was also excited at the thought of teaching from God’s Word because of my love for His way of life.

Our move to Wisconsin was challenging. Our twins left behind the only world they knew – their school, their friends, being able to drive 15 minutes to swim in the ocean, the parks they played in, the zoo and aquarium we loved to visit, “Aunt” Barbara, and many other things. My wife and I sold a house we had invested 16 years of sweat, sacrifice, and learning new skills to turn it into a beautiful home. It was like closing a door and not knowing what opening the next door would reveal.

There were challenges once we arrived in Wisconsin. We had started the purchase of a house before we actually got here, the closing was very chaotic, and the seller didn’t honor some points of the contract. Our furniture didn’t arrive for several days after we moved into the house. Once I began to settle into my church responsibilities, I was informed that I now have three congregations to oversee (it was two originally). The phone company service I subscribed to closed their doors only a few months later, and settling into a new life became very real. Needless to say, it was a challenging time.

Anniversaries are also appropriate times to look back to see what we learned, what we overcame, what we grew in, and what we need to remember. This is true in our personal life, but also our spiritual life. God allows these challenges for our spiritual edification. Growth can be uncomfortable or even unpleasant, but an organism not growing starts to die.

What does your spiritual history look like? What trials or circumstances surprised you? What lesson learned was the most impactful for you? Wisconsin has become my home. I have lived here longer than any other place in my life. I genuinely love the brethren here – I have baptized 46 members, performed 12 marriages, blessed 17 little children, ordained 17 individuals, and sadly performed 16 funerals (although there were many more who died but the families didn’t do a funeral service). I have served as a Feast coordinator for many years, a UYC director for many years, was staff on two UCG publications, served on the Council of Elders for many years, and best of all I still pastor those three congregations I did when I first came to Wisconsin!

I have learned a lot in my service to God’s people. The baptisms and marriages I have performed are all highlights in my role as a pastor. It is deeply encouraging to see people respond to counseling that points them back to God and the calling His has given to them. While awards or public recognition can seem to be important to some, I am most honored by the trust God has placed in me to help shepherd His people.

As we may look back on anniversaries, let’s remember to take lessons learned forward with us as we grow in our calling as a son or daughter of the only true God!

I wish you a very meaningful Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

22 August, 2026