A reflection on soul care from 6 years ago

I was scrolling through my memories on FaceBook yesterday and this is one of them, a reflection I wrote on August 28, 2018.

As I re-read the words I had written, I realized they still ring true. Though I don't remember the situation that spurred me to write the words, it could have been anything. It was most likely written during my morning coffee and deck time.

The view that I used to have off the deck was a wonderful frame for pictures. It has since been taken over by some straggly branches that belong to the neighbor on that side. I have thought about cutting those branches. I think it's actually an invasive bush, like privet. But, to do that, I would need to ask. We'll see. Though I no longer have this full view, there is still a view.

"Some days are more difficult than others to maintain a whole soul. There are the days I need more time in creation, silence, solitude, prayer, rest, play, or other spiritual practices. Soul care is crucial to living well."

What are your "go-to" spiritual practices when you need filling up, when you need to maintain a whole soul? I listed some of mine above. Some additional ones: spending time in a hammock, hiking, riding my bike or motorcycle, writing.

How are you living into soul care?

Peace on the journey, 

Rev. Deb

Psalm 69 from Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

I was talking with a colleague about prayer yesterday and she mentioned Psalm 69 to me. I looked it up in my favorite Psalm version, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill. There is much to ponder in this Psalm. 

It's not a short one. It goes from the bottom of page 127 to almost the bottom of page 131. 

As I read and reflect on the words, there are phrases throughout that speak to me. I have written them as they are in their sections. As there are no verses in this version, I will compare to a different version to get the verses.

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O Beloved, create within me a clean heart! Let me live simply, sharing what I have with those in need, that the abundance of your creation might be reflected! Let me speak out of the Silence, that through the words given, others will learn of You!

Let me see with the heart's eye; let me hear through the heart's ear.
Give me the sensitivity to hear your Word, and the courage to speak it. 

Let heaven and earth praise the Creator, the seas and all that dwell therein.
For in the Most High lies our salvation, the healing of the nations; 
And we, the people of the Eternal One, are invited, we are called, 
to co-creation, to co-operation; thus will future generations inherit the planet renewed, 

and those who live the way of Love shall dwell with Love forever. Amen. (verses 34-36)

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It's not always easy to "match" the verses, because there is a difference with this version. I was able to "match" the last section. 

Yet, the Psalm is still a prayer. A deep prayer. A prayer for change, healing, wholeness. The passages that have stood out to me this time are worth reflection and pondering.

Looking at what caught my attention, I see the word "heart" repeated several times, as well as "Love". I think I will ponder Psalm 69 a little while longer.

Peace, 

Rev. Deb

World Labyrinth Day 2024

A few months back I offered to lead and teach a session on prayer labyrinths at the church that sent me into ministry, Burks UMC in Hixson, TN. They began a monthly prayer focus on the first Saturday of each month, so it fit in well. My plan was to talk briefly, allow people to learn by experience, then debrief their experience.

photo taken in 2016 of labyrinth

I used this photo for "advertising"

The labyrinth at Burks UMC is outdoors. In the back of my mind, I did ask myself 'what about rain?'. Well, I intended to check into finding an indoor labyrinth to have on hand, but then there was a death in the family that took priority of brain, time, and energy. I prepared for it to be outdoors by gathering several labyrinth books, printing out some brochures from the church, a history of the Burks UMC labyrinth, and an article about the health benefits of walking a labyrinth.

Then the day came. It rained. Oops. I grabbed my hiking raincoat and some umbrellas and headed over there. I set up things in the back of my car, with the trunk open. Thankfully, the rain was more of a drizzle. People did show up! We had a total of 6 (including myself) for the World Labyrinth Day at Burks UMC.

Here is what I posted on social media and some of the pictures I took:

World Labyrinth Day 2024 at Burks UMC.

5 brave souls (+ me = 6) came out in the sprinkling rain to walk and pray the labyrinth at Burks UMC on this World Labyrinth Day. Some brought their own umbrellas and others used some I brought. The rain slacked off eventually. The smell of honeysuckle filled the air and birds chirped and sang. It was a beautiful time to learn, to experience, to practice, to pray. It was good to hear the reflections of those who attended. The second time I walked I saw a mushroom on the path and a bunny on the outside.

#WorldLabyrinthDay

#WorldLabyrinthDay2024

#labyrinth

#spiritualpractice

#BurksUMC

The Luna bar quote says:

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."

I enjoy teaching others. I enjoy teaching, leading, and sharing the spiritual practices that are meaningful to me with others. I am a shepherd pastor. It is good for me to be able to live into my created being. And to do so on a day that commemorated the anniversary of the passing of the ordination for women in the United Methodist Church.... well, that added meaning. I was living into my leading and being, in spite of ongoing challenges in society that tell me I cannot be a pastor because of my gender. 

If you are interested in learning more about labyrinths, you don't need to wait until the first Saturday in May. 

There are links below to The Labyrinth Society and a labyrinth locator so you can find a labyrinth near you. 

If you are in the Chattanooga/N. Georgia area and you've never walked/prayed a labyrinth, I will be glad to accompany you. There are several in our area.

Peace on the journey, 

Deb

LINKS:

The Labyrinth Society

The Labyrinth Locator

OTHER BLOGPOSTS I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT LABYRINTHS:

(NOTE: I actually have written close to 30 blogposts about labyrinths. I am not going to post them all here. If you are interested in finding them, you can search the term "labyrinth" in my blog. I have written about most every labyrinth that I've walked, except the new one I recently walked in Sarasota, FL. I'll get around to it (a round "tuit") eventually.

World Labyrinth Day 2018

Walking the path... my labyrinth experiences 

Lenten labyrinth time--week 6

I walked/prayed the labyrinth at Burks UMC last night. 

It's a bit hard to wrap my head around that six weeks have passed, that Lent is almost over, that this Sunday begins the journey of Holy Week. The Lenten journey seems to have moved quickly. 

Last night's time in the labyrinth was calming, peaceful.  As I headed down the stone path toward the entrance, these words from a song came to mind:

"Lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Weary traveler come home"

Crowder-- "Come As You Are"

Those aren't all the lyrics (nor are they in order or 100% correct), but those are what came to mind as I approached the prayer path. 

Here are the full lyrics:

Come out of sadness
From wherever you've been
Come broken hearted
Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal

So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are

There's hope for the hopeless
And all those who've strayed
Come sit at the table
Come taste the grace
There's rest for the weary
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't cure

So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
Lay down your hurt lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Fall in his arms
Come as you are
There's joy for the morning
Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow
That heaven can't heal

So lay down your burdens
Lay down your shame
All who are broken
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are
Come as you are

I allowed the words to stay with me as I walked the path.

I prayed for some people and situations that were on my mind. 

My senses were engaged as I noticed the smell of the grass and heard the sounds of the birds and a neighborhood lawnmower. I noticed the tiny flowers that were still there, purple and whitish and some stemmed purple things. A clump of clover even caught my attention because of its shape.

I blew bubbles as I neared the center, watching them float away.

I rested in the center, taking in the vast blue skies, the sounds of the birds, noticing the branch pile had been burned to ashes, noticing how the sun shone through the greenhouse. 

The ashes reminded me of renewal, of returning, of Lent

I got up, gave thanks, and headed out. 

When I got to the threshold,  I paused and took a deep breath, giving thanks once again. 

I sensed strength and renewal from my prayer time.

Rolling off the FUMSDRL/HOF Board

Today was my last board call for the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders (FUMSDRL), also known as Hearts on Fire (HOF).  You can learn more about this organization by clicking HERE and going to the website (which was recently updated).

My stint on the board started with a phone call (well, a couple of them) from Sue Magrath, one of the board members whom I've only met over the phone, over 6 years ago.  She asked if I would be willing to post things on their FB page from time to time.  That led to a conversation about being on the board and writing for the non-member newsletter, which I did for several years. My role changed after that to other areas as I continued to serve.

I have been on local boards and conference ones before, but never a national board.  Board meetings are done via phone, except a yearly face to face one.  Every other year, the face to face board meeting coincides with the retreat/gathering.

My very first board call was while I was at the 2 Year Bilingual Academy in July 2012.  I was in my room for that call, listening to the others talk.  At that time, they were voices only.  I could see pictures online, but I hadn't met them yet.  I would first meet the board members in 2013 at the summer face to face meeting in Buffalo, MN. (I missed the 2012 Gathering at Bon Secours because I was at the Academy.)

Buffalo, MN was my first time to MN, but not my last, as the retreat was held there the following year.  By meeting the board in person, I made deeper connections with folks that couldn't be made over the phone.  Those relationships, those connections have continued to be life giving.

Even those phone calls were life giving.  Space was held for prayer, for souls, not just for the work of the organization.  During those phone calls throughout the years, there was quiet time, prayer, native American flute playing, centering, poetry, and we covered business.  Over these past 6 1/2 years, both on the phone and in person, I have been held by this board, even as the members have changed over the years.

This board is one of the many communities that has given me life and sustained my life.  They have seen me through the Academy, through seminary, through my Provisional Elder and Elder in Full Connection journeys, through family things, through surgery, etc.

I thought rolling off the board would be easier for me.  I served my time.  Heck, I served OVER my time.  Yet, I am finding it a little difficult today, knowing that I am finished with this community in this capacity.

It's not a good-bye.  I know that.  I'm reflecting on the relationships that have been given to me over these 6 1/2 years, the fun, the fellowship, the spiritual growth.  My heart is full, to overflowing.

I am grateful that they gave a young newbie a chance 6 1/2 years ago, that I was able to write, help some with education ties, and the website.

Most of all, I am grateful for all it has given me.  I cannot begin to communicate how my life, my soul, has benefited from this board and from the organization.  Many other FUMSDRL/HOF connections whom I've met through SOULfeast, at retreats/gatherings, through the Academy have also been a part of speaking life into me and giving me life.  Many were on the board at one time or another.

If I were to try to write down every person's name, I'd undoubtedly leave someone out.  Some folks I may have only "met" on the phone and not in person.  Regardless, my life has been impacted.  I am grateful.

To those who served in the past, to those who serve currently, and to the one who left us too soon, Thank you.

Just because I'm off the board, it doesn't mean I'm out of FUMSDRL/HOF.  I will continue to be active on the FB page.  Click HERE to check it out.  I will keep up with the website (posted above).  I will stay in touch with folks.  I will attend the national retreats and gatherings as possible.  The next one is in 2020 in Arizona.

Debra

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A few pictures-- not in order.  I could post SO many more from the board retreats and places, but I won't.  I'm sorry that I don't have pictures of everybody through the years.

A "Jerry and Terry" sandwich.  Jerry Haas and Terry Hershey. Buffalo, MN. 2014 Retreat

Communion at the beach. 2017 board retreat, NC

Another view of communion at the beach, 2017 board retreat
Karen Moore, Cynthia Good

Karen Moore at 2013 board Retreat, Buffalo, MN

Greg Davis at 2013 board Retreat, Buffalo, MN

Scottie Brafford at 2015 board retreat, Houston, TX

2015 board picture, Houston, TX

2016 board picture, Houston, TX

What Is God's Goal For Us?-- August 5th sermon from Ephesians 4:1-16

I'm spinning plates or juggling balls, whatever analogy you want to use.  And daily, plates and balls drop.

As I attempt to get back into a normalized work routine and continue my healing and recovery from the hip replacement surgery, I find it to be an ongoing learning experience as to what my limitations are on my physical and mental strength.  Some days I am "energizer bunny" and other days I am completely "wore out".  I am focusing on self-care, soul care, family time, and trying to do what I can for work.  That doesn't even touch the surface of housework or many other responsibilities or desired activities.  So, things drop and fall through the cracks.  And that is okay.  Letting go is part of the journey.  Not an easy one, but part of it.

One thing I wanted to do was to post the sermons this month.  Not because they were super wonderful or anything, but because they have spoken to me and stuck to me.  They haven't let me go and in an attempt to get them part way out of my system, I figure if I post them, they are out of me.  Usually, preaching them gets them out of me and onward, but not this month.  Yet, time and energy have been limited resources.

Thus, I will start today by going back to August 5th and posting that sermon, a few reflections, the bulletin covers and go from there.

I don't know what, if anything, anyone will glean from these, but for me, it will allow some clearing space for my heart, soul, and mind.

Remember that the sermons that are posted are not the exact sermon given as things are added or taken away in the moment.

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Image on Flintstone bulletin cover 

“What Is God’s Goal For Us?”

Ephesians 4:1-16 (CEB)

August 5, 2018 (11^th Sunday after Pentecost)

Flintstone UMC, Simpson UMC

Ephesians 4:1-16 (CEB)

4 Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. ² Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, ³ and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. ⁴ You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.

⁷ God has given his grace to each one of us measured out by the gift that is given by Christ. ⁸ That’s why scripture says, When he climbed up to the heights, he captured prisoners, and he gave gifts to people.

⁹ What does the phrase “he climbed up” mean if it doesn’t mean that he had first gone down into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ The one who went down is the same one who climbed up above all the heavens so that he might fill everything.

¹¹ He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. ¹² His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ ¹³ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. ¹⁴ As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. ¹⁵ Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, ¹⁶ who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.

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THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

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Today’s sermon title is a question: “What is God’s goal for us?”  In order to answer that question, we first have to answer another one.  “Does God have goals for us?”  Hmm…. Think about that one for a moment.  How did you answer it?  How you answer that question will guide your answer for today’s sermon.

If we believe that yes, indeed, God has goals for us, then we will be open to the guiding of the Holy Spirit and we will listen for what those may be.  In today’s Scripture passage, might you have heard some goals?

In verse 13, we heard that “God’s goal for us is to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standards of Christ.”  As we look at the surrounding verses, we recognize that this has nothing to do with physical age, but rather it is a commentary on our spiritual growth, how we are growing in our discipleship and relationship with Christ.

As we seek to grow as disciples of Christ, we are reminded in this passage that we all have gifts to use and to share for the building up of the body. In today’s passage, we heard some of the gifts named and their purpose: “¹¹ He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. ¹² His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ ¹³ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son.”

When I came into this appointment in 2015 you were beginning a study of the spiritual gifts.  We focused on spiritual gifts that first year, learning what our gifts were and how to apply them.  It is good to revisit our gifts every so often, to see if we are using them, to see how we are using them, and to see if there are any changes. Some gifts are given for a season. What are your gifts and how are you using them for the building up of the kingdom? If you aren’t sure, then talk to one of the CLMs (Certified Lay Ministers), one of the Lay Servants, or one of the pastors, and we will help you assess your spiritual gifts.

As we seek to understand our gifts and to grow deeper in our walk with Christ as disciples, a key component is prayer.

In the study Companions in Christ written by Rueben Job and Marjorie Thompson, they note: “A loving, living relationship with God is impossible without prayer.  We cannot know the mind and heart of Christ, receive God’s direction, hear God’s voice, or respond to God’s call without this means of grace.” (A Guide To Prayer for All Who Walk with God, 283.)

So, how is our prayer life, individually and corporately?  Are we spending time listening to God?

If we truly desire to become mature adults in Christ, then our prayer life as individuals and as a congregation will reflect that. 

Jane Vennard’s A Praying Congregation offers help for any congregation desiring to become more prayerful.

As I’ve only begun her book on this, I only have a few quotes to share with you initially:

“Praying congregations are lively places made up of diverse people who are longing to take prayer seriously.  In these congregations members want to learn about prayer, wrestle with hard theological questions, and learn from one another.” (1)

“The ministry of a praying congregation is to help people prepare their hearts for prayer—to recognize their desire to pray and help them explore these longings.”(3)

“In a praying congregation, we do want to know how it goes with another’s soul.  So we ask, and then we listen.” (10)

Prayer is key to our growth and maturity as followers of Christ. If we are to attain the goal of becoming mature in Christ, we are going to need to become a praying people.

We will also heed the words in the beginning of today’s passage that remind us how to live as mature Christians in verses 1-4, where the apostle states: ’I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. ² Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, ³ and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. ⁴ You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope.”

Last week in Greensboro, NC, on our way to the Methodist retreat, I saw a sign in yards that read, “love and acceptance practiced here”.  I came home with that sign from one of those yards because of the love practiced by one home owner who gave me the sign.  During a wonderful conversation I learned that homes and churches had those signs posted around community. That message of love and acceptance is what this passage is saying to us, that we, as Christians are to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties us together, as we accept each other with love.

Today we gather around the table to share in table fellowship, to receive the greatest gift of grace offered to each of us, recognizing that we come together as one.

As we seek to grow as disciples of Christ, may we seek God in prayer so that we are better equipped to be and make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.

Amen.

"Love and acceptance practiced here" sign from Greensboro, NC

World Labyrinth Day 2018

World Labyrinth Day 2018 was this past Saturday, May 5th.  Folks were encouraged to find a local labyrinth and join together across the world at 1pm.  It is always held on the first Saturday in May.  This year was the 10th celebration.  You can find out more about it at the Labyrinth Society's link to World Labyrinth Day here.

I attended a celebration of life service on Saturday, so I did my labyrinth walk yesterday.

I went to a labyrinth I often visit when I am in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. It is at the Church of the Nativity, an Episcopal church.  The church is located at 1201 Cross Street.

When I arrived yesterday, I noticed right away that there were stacked stones (cairns) throughout the labyrinth. This was the first time I have seen them stacked. I was curious if it had been part of the world labyrinth day celebration or some other occasion or if someone simply came along and made the stacks.

As I walked and prayed, I found a heart rock. I noticed the flowers, I stopped to fix some of the stacks that had toppled over.

Website for Church of the Nativity (from the website, you can read more about labyrinths in general and their labyrinth)

Want to know more about labyrinths? The labyrinth society is a great resource.  Check out their website below.  Not only can you learn about them, but you can also locate them locally to where you are. (Not all labyrinths are posted on their site, so ask around in your community.)

Website for the Labyrinth Society

After posting a picture yesterday that I had walked and prayed the labyrinth, a friend posted that St. Peter's Episcopal on Ashland Terrace in Chattanooga, TN is soon on creating/building a labyrinth.  With that one and the Church of the Nazarene in Flintstone, GA (there are in the process of building one too), that will be two new ones locally for me to visit.

I have written about my other labyrinth prayer walks and the other local labyrinths in my community that I have found thus far.  If you are interested in reading those blog posts, simply search for the label "labyrinth".

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Eyes of the Heart by Christine Valters Painter

This book, Eyes of the Heart, just arrived about a week or so ago.  I took it with me last weekend to the Women of Joy conference so I could begin to read it. It's not a book you read through quickly. It is one to read slowly and to engage in the practices it offers.

It is about photography as a Christian contemplative practice and seeing with the eyes of your heart.

I haven't read far.  I've only gotten to page 16.  I'll share some of my notes.

The book by Christine Valters Painter came out in 2013.  Somehow I am just now finding it.

In the introduction, Christine shares: "Photography has always been a way for me to see more deeply, but my awareness of how this was an experience of prayer and often an encounter with the sacred emerged over time." (1)  I could have written that sentence, though I wouldn't have written it as eloquently. I would have said something to the effect that 'Photography has always been a way for me to see things differently, but only in the past decade have I come to realize that it draws me closer to the Creator and allows me to slow my life down.'  That may be how I might express it, if I were to do so, right now, in the moment.

Christine continues: "I began to see photography as a way to slow down and gaze deeply, noticing things I missed in my rushed life." (1-2)  "It became a tool for deeper vision, supporting and enlivening contemplative seeing." (2)

"Photography as a spiritual practice combines the active art of image-receiving with the contemplative nature and open-heartedness of prayer. It cultivates what I call sacred seeing or seeing with the "eyes of the heart" (Ephesians 1:18)." (3)

"Photography as a spiritual practice can help us to cultivate an awakened vision so we begin to really see." (5)

"Photography is an ideal prayer practice for those who desire more active forms of contemplation or want to integrate creative expression into their spiritual path." (5)

"Photography can ber an act of silent worship." (6)

These are my notes from the introduction.  As I mentioned, I have read into chapter 1, up to page 16.  The concept of "visio divina" is mentioned, sacred seeing.  Whereas "lectio divina" is sacred reading, "visio divina" is sacred seeing.

In the past, I have set some of my pictures to music as a way to allow visio divina and contemplation.  I did this one time in particular for a women's bible study I was leading for Mustard Tree Ministries.

One thing that has "popped" out to me over the years as I have slowed down has been hearts. They have shown up in clouds, in trees, in flowers, in rocks, in gum, in all kinds of things. Others have noticed them too and have sent them my way.

Just the other day, an apple slice on my salad at Panera Bread was in the shape of a heart.  It caught my attention.

But it isn't just hearts that catch my attention.  It can be trees, standing tall, side by side and supporting one another.  It can be entangled roots, pine cones, bamboo, sunrises, sunsets, ocean waves, flowers, bugs, etc.  It can be literally anything, if I have eyes to see. 

As I read this book and put into practice what I learn, it is my hope that my prayer life will grow.

How are you growing your prayer life?

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Rebuild

This morning I came outside for my coffee and some reading on the patio.  It's a cool morning.  I went to check on the spider and spider web that I've been watching all week. 

This big spider has made its home on the gate and has connected to the lamp post and the hummingbird feeder (and the side of the house).  The first time I saw the web (and the spider), I was surprised at how big they both were.  I have enjoyed watching the web grow and change over time.

taken September 24

We have been careful to not use the gate and/or to duck under the web when we do. There is one tenuous thread that holds it to the lamp post. 

This morning when I looked over to the web, what caught my attention was that it had moved.  'That's odd', I thought to myself.  So, I went closer to inspect it.  In doing so, my friend, the spider, quickly vacated his center of the web. 

As I observed the web, indeed, it was now much closer to the hummingbird feeder.  It is smaller.  It looks like the spider had to rebuild. 

We had some winds last night.  That could be why.  Or something could have flown into it, or maybe, it was just time to rebuild.  I don't know.

Whatever the reason, the spider rebuilt. But, the other thing I noticed was that there was still a center. 

Even though the web was moved over and rebuilt, it still had its center.

The spider could rebuild the web, whether it had to because of destruction, whether it needed to because of safety, or whether it wanted to.  For whatever reason it rebuilt, the web would be built around the center.

There are times in my life that I've had to rebuild.  Because of destruction, because of safety, because I wanted to, felt called to, etc.  The rebuilding has happened emotionally, spiritually, vocationally, relationally, and other. 

As I reflect on the rebuilding, just like the spider and the web, the center has remained the same.  The center of my life has been my relationship with the Creator., even when I haven't always been aware of that relationship (that's called prevenient grace.)  Because of that relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I've been able to stay centered through the rebuilding.  Even when there was a shift in the paradigm, I am learning that the center has always been there. 

The center of my faith life is to live, love, and lead like Jesus.  I seek to follow the Way of Jesus: love God and love others as myself.

On an educational note, I wanted to know about this spider and web, so I did some research.  Because the "hub" is in the middle and the web looks like a "wagon wheel", it is most likely an orb spider.  Not all spider webs have a hub in the middle, but this one does and this is the one that caused my reflection today as I prayed with eyes open.

For a second link on spider research, you can go to the Smithsonian.

I am grateful for my spider friend and the web.  I have always liked spider webs because they remind me of community holding on to one another in support and prayer. 

Now I have something else to think about when I see spider webs.

Where are you in your journey?  Are you in a rebuilding stage of any kind? If so, look to your center.  May your center be the hub around which the new is rebuilt.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Becoming "unbusy"-- the eternal challenge

On a crisp 63 degree morning, I am outside on the patio with some coffee, listening to the waterfall and enjoying some quiet "be still" time.

I had planned to sleep in today, but I guess 7:30 am is sleeping in when 5:30 am is the normal wake up time.

A hummingbird is visiting the feeders as I type.  I enjoy watching those creations.  Once and only once so far, I observed one become still while feasting on the perch.  I had never seen that before.  But because it had space on the one feeder, it could actually be on the feeder and take a moment of inactivity while it was there.

Space.  Either we find it, make it, or create it for ourselves in order to not be so busy, to stop moving, to be able to stand still, to rest.

We all need that space.  That's why we have Sabbath rest.  Rest allows us to be who we are created to be.

I know it.  I have lots of books that remind me.  I'm a better person when I live into Sabbath rest.  Yet, it is still a struggle to guard that time and space.

As I write, there are two hummingbirds fighting over the one feeder.  One comes in to eat and another comes to attack it.  There is another feeder less than 20 feet away.  I wonder if one of them will move to the other feeder? There are hummingbirds going there, but evidently not these two.  They are in either play or battle mode today.

Thankfully, when it comes to space for rest and stillness, there is plenty. We don't need to fight over it.  We just need to do it.

I am glad for some time this morning.

Time to listen.  Time to be.  Time to breathe.  Time to watch hummingbirds. Time to drink coffee unhurriedly.

Yesterday I said I would share some notes as I read Eugene Peterson's The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction.

The forward is an interview with Eugene Peterson and Rodney Clapp.  There were some good nuggets there for me, but today I'll share from chapter two, "The Unbusy Pastor".

"How can I lead people into the quiet place beside the still waters if I am in perpetual motion?" (19)
"If no one asked me to do anything, what would I do? Three things.  I can be a pastor who prays. [...]  I know I can't be busy and pray at the same time. [...] I can be a pastor who preaches. [...] This kind of preaching is a creative act that requires quietness and solitude, concentration and intensity. [...] I can be a pastor who listens. [...] I want to have the energy and time to really listen to them so that when they're through, they know at least one other person has some inkling of what they're feeling and thinking. [...]  Too much of pastoral visitation is punching the clock, assuring people we're on the job, being busy, earning our pay. Pastoral listening requires unhurried leisure, even if it's only for five minutes.  Leisure is a quality of spirit, not a quantity of time." (19-21)

The more important question: "How many people have you listened to in Christ this week?" (21)

"But if I provide margins to my day, there is ample time to listen." (22) [Providing margins in the day has been a goal for me for quite a few years.  I attempt to have no more than 3 things on my calendar, allowing there to be margins.  My calendar has gotten less busy over the years, though there are seasons in life and in ministry when they are busier.  Charge conference season is a busier time of year as a pastor.  With three churches in the parish, there is a need to have each nominations / leadership development team meet.  That means 4 meetings right there.  And with that, we've only just begun.]

Peterson recognizes the difficulty in keeping margins in the calendar and speaks to that situation by scheduling appointments for himself.  That way they are in the calendar.  He notes, "I mark out the times for prayer, for reading, for leisure, for the silence and solitude out of which creative work-- prayer, preaching, and listening-- can issue." (23)

Good thoughts on a way to make margins in the schedule for needed things.  He also has a good phrase so he doesn't give in to too many things, "My appointment calendar will not permit it." (22)  Though I've gotten better at that, I still need wisdom and discernment on that.  Don't we all?  These lessons making space for ourselves in Peterson's book, though written for pastors, can be applied to all folks.  After all, we are the priesthood of all believers, and we all struggle with putting too much on our calendars and not having enough time for self-care, soul-care, rest, silence, solitude, leisure, and the creative work of ministry that flows from that (whatever ministry God has us involved in, again, as we are all a part of ministry).

How can you become less busy?  What are some steps you might take from having read these quotes by Eugene Peterson?

Blessings on your journey,

Debra