Dear Family On Our Journey,
I don't know about you but, I think that stress and all the pre-holiday anxiety has hit us earlier this year. It is palpable and certainly more noticeable. I'm going to suggest that we take steps to show more compassion and love during this the most stressful time of the year. Here are my suggestions:
Don't be in a hurry!
Look at each person and remember this phrase that was used at our National Council Service last week:
"The light of Christ in me recognizes the light of Christ in you" If you do this everyone and I mean everyone will matter.
Be mindful of each and every one of our family members circumstances!
Look at all of our family members in they eye. See their value, show them compassion, and see them as the loving human beings God created them to be.
Use common courtesy and greet them with a smile and a "Hi or Hello!" ask our family members how they are. Common courtesy such as this will help soothe many of our lonely and sad hearts this time of year.
Make a list of all the family members (People) who are grieving this time of year. Invite them out. Show them the utmost compassion and love that you can. Remember we haven't been healed of our grief or loneliness in 6 easy lessons or less!
Keep daily expectations realistic.
If you are in ministry of any kind take time for you! We want you to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. I'm seeing more burn out and robo-ministers than ever before. It doesn't even matter how long or how short you have been in lay or ordained ministry. When you get burnt out your pastoral care receivers and your congregations suffer. This time of year is always the worst! Lent, Holy Week, and Easter don't come with all the constant holiday hype, unrealistic expectations, and stewardship campaigns! I have been in the same congregation for over 53 years and the fall months are difficult on both clergy and lay. Believe me, people change but the seasons still stay the same. Egos and hearts may become bruised through no fault of your own. If you have intuitive and feeling types in your parish, they may take things said or unsaid personally. (Remember- Non-Verbal Communication is communication!) I know that I do, as hard as I try not to! We are all sensitive this time of year! Take time to step back and know that you need spiritual care too! Who is your pastor or mentor? Some pastors may or may not be good pastoral care fits for every parishioner. It is a constant ebb and flow so be mindful and let God be God and don't try to do it all! Delegate things out. Make sense? This is from one minister to another!
The Be's! These won't Sting!
Be loving!
Be compassionate!
Be who God created you to be!
Be mindful!
Be joyful!
Be centered on God!
Be physically active!
Be quiet and meditative!
Be alive with the Spirit's energy coursing through your veins!
Be!
Well lovies those are my suggestions! More to come when we get to each holiday!
I love you all!
Love and peace of mind! Take time to Just be!
Sara
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