Be it as an individual or a Minister we often feel in this fast paced society, that we were born, we grow up and then get tossed into a race. It’s like we’ve dropped ourselves on a great speeding conveyor belt that whisks us away to go around and around, our consciousness whirling faster and faster into confusion. It becomes easy to forget why we came and what our job is, much less anymore. Our ambitions, education and living sometimes become a blur of existence and only the most balanced and left standing.
This being the case it’s no wonder we search for ways to get off the treadmill. It’s no wonder so many of us give up, jump off and turn our backs on what we could have done or been. This is true in almost every walk of life and certainly in the Ministry. I know of preachers who are so blocked by the banging around they get in life that they consider and in a couple cases have, walked away. And who can blame them? The longer we allow ourselves to be “processed” in this way the more isolated from people and ourselves we become. And what of the people relying on us? Who by the way are riding the tape with us whether we remember that or not. Our families, friends, congregations and others even the sick and dying will feel the lack. And in many cases even feel it’s them, that it is actually their fault. And you know what? We are often more then happy to agree with them.
All of us go through this yes, but you might be asking “What does this have to do with the price of rice in China?” :o)
What if we could simplify ourselves? What if we could not only get off the treadmill but do so without loosing ourselves, without loosing time and without loosing our focus? Wow, how great would that be? I am presently in the middle of such an experiment. And that is what I am sharing with you here.
It occurred to me through my work in the seminary and my life that I was truly missing the obvious. I realized my work wasn’t about what I was doing. It is about what I am sharing. In the chaplaincy program we have studied many things and most recently grief. The instructor is great and there is a lot on what to do and how to be there for someone else. The course lesson helps us talk with people about the painful subjects of loss and confusion. Yet when I was in these situations there was something else. Messages. There was always a message I had passed on to them.
So often we see this as “the job” and rightly so we have a job with unusual benefits and expectations. We are capable of extraordinary things. Not because we’re superhuman but because we re super focused. However, what are we focused on?
Be it an individual or a Minister we come here to this lovely, wonderful, most exciting Earth for purpose. With each and every person we come into contact with we actually come into contact with a message as well. God works through us and we need to open ourselves to allow the message to come out.
So sure, that s great but exactly how do we do that? Well I’ll tell you what’s been happening in my experiment. First I pray and intercessory type prayer, a basic “help me be open so that the message comes through loud and clear.” I myself am a woman of private prayer and in my intentions I can get quite flowery when I pray. But it isn’t important how you pray. What’s important is that you pose your prayer with this purpose.
Throughout the day with each and every person, your children, spouse, partner, strangers, congregations or groups ask yourself consciously “What message do I have for you?” Remember this may be asked to yourself but it must be consciously and for each person or group.
Now, here is the kicker. I am not attached to the answer. Just by switching my focus to that question I have found that the messages come. By taking that second to stop and ask my mind stops there and I no longer am on the treadmill. Believe it or not by attempting, yes simply making the attempt at this one small thing, I have begun to transform my thinking, my practice and even my life.
Sometimes the message is small “my 3 year old needs this.” Sometimes it is profound and instructive to the person. And sometimes I find that the message is for me through the person that I am dealing and talking with. I am only beginning to see just how far this can take us.
We are all of us messengers. I put it to you to give this a try in your practice as a person, as a Minister. When dealing with grief we often wonder what will I say? What can I do? How can I help them? When meeting with them or during your prayer ask yourself What message do I have for them? You will find that the words and direction for the people are there. You will find that your heart opens wider. And you will find peace while you watch the treadmill. You are a messenger.
I would be honored to hear about your experiences with this. Enjoy! Rev. Anna
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