January 2016

For a moment last month I realized I was human.  Having had a difficult and emotional month of ministry I found myself stepping back and not being as present as I typically am. You've noticed.

I was hard on myself for taking the time to step back, discern, and increase my time for spiritual practice. I thought that as the minister this "luxury" couldn't be mine. But, I'm brave enough to say that isn't true. When stuck in difficulty we should all have the opportunity to step back. It's healthy and we return renewed and revived with deeper understandings.

Sometimes we lack compassion for oneself and the compassion that we should expect from others.  I share my intimate lesson lesson with you as minister, as teacher. As a fellow human being, I too have the same struggles and emotional processes that you do. My hope is that my sharing will lead you to share with me and others.


I'm stepping out of the shadows having taken the time to think and to understand my call more deeply. It was awkward and, for some of you, concerning. I thank you for waiting patiently and for your concern. I hope when you step back sometime you will have the love and support I received.


We will travel many places this year in our congregational life. Let us be gentle with one another and our spirits. You are truly dear to me.

In faith, Rev. CJ

Comments

  1. This is beautiful! We all go through struggles and feel as though we are being reclusive. Even feeling as though people are being ignored while we go through whatever lesson life has given to us waves heavy on us. Proceeding to rush through this hibernation in fear that you are holding someone or something up that may possibly need you. Please remember one thing. You need you. You are your own best friend. Those who understand this will support you! We are glad to have you back to your awesome self with better insight and more ambition to lead us then ever! Forever grateful for you and this congregation in more ways than will ever be known! Blessed be!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is beautiful! We all go through struggles and feel as though we are being reclusive. Even feeling as though people are being ignored while we go through whatever lesson life has given to us waves heavy on us. Proceeding to rush through this hibernation in fear that you are holding someone or something up that may possibly need you. Please remember one thing. You need you. You are your own best friend. Those who understand this will support you! We are glad to have you back to your awesome self with better insight and more ambition to lead us then ever! Forever grateful for you and this congregation in more ways than will ever be known! Blessed be!

    ReplyDelete

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