Henri Nouwen writes: It is impressive to see how prayer opens one’s eyes to nature. Prayer makes men [and women, I’d add] contemplative and attentive. In place of manipulating, he who prays stands receptive before the world. He no longer grabs but caresses, he no longer bites, but kisses, he no longer examines but admires…. Instead of an…
Ministry in Heels
life as a young adult pastor
The itch
Last week, I got into some poison ivy. First, on the disc golf course as we were looking for a shot that was too long and in the rough. I noticed it after traipsing through. Then, in my very own backyard. We had a gigantic bush of the stuff, all viney and spread out everywhere. …
What season do you inhabit?
Today in my organic ministry class, we were invited by Diane Glass to notice what season best describes our hearts, our relationships, our work. It is one thing to notice the physical and environmental season that surrounds you… even on a cool and muggy July day. But I had never considered the seasons as a…
Praying for the Church
One of the practices I have incorporated into my renewal leave is to use Bishop Job’s, A Guide to Prayer, each morning. I have taken to setting up office on our back porch in the cool mornings where I can look out on the garden, feel the cool breeze, and breathe in the air. I…
2 days, 3 houses, 7 niblings
This weekend, we made a road trip to spend some time with family. Since we have moved, it has been harder to make a quick trip over to see our parents or siblings and the kids. One of my primary goals during renewal leave was to spend more time with family and to re-establish patterns…
Resting in the gaps
A cup of coffee on the back porch. Rain falling, gently at times, harder at others. I do have a plan for this time away. It is not vacation or down time, it is a time to practice different rhythms and see what grows. I hoped to weed the garden this morning. But the rain…
Sabbath
Still and quiet in the cove. Every now and then a sprinkle. Lazy breezes blow by and the birds talk to each other. They catch up as we catch up. Goldfinch and cardinals, sparrows and blue jays. Dancing and playing in the trees. They feast on the gnats until the gnats feast on us. So…
setting priorities, reorganizing my agenda
In three days… THREE… I begin renewal leave. It is a time for me to take stock of my schedule, fill up my spiritual tank, and focus on what is important to me. One thing I had initially done well with in my life was budgeting my work time. My mentor taught me that if…