January Blog
If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things..
If we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with
action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did
the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds?
Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary?
For each of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover.
And a being within ourselves to bring to life. -Author Unknown
This poem was hanging on the wall of the office where I served as a hospital Chaplain during seminary. It has stuck with me since, and I have tried to find out who wrote it with no success. During that period of my life I worked as the Pastor to youth and children at a small United Methodist Church, I attended seminary full time, and I served as a Chaplain for 20 hours each week. Moving quickly and multi-tasking have been a part of my life for so long that I can forget the importance of slowing down to reflect on what it is that God is bringing to life. Perhaps that is something to which you can relate.
Although we have not seen much of it yet, the snow often reminds me of this too. While the ground is covered and everything looks dead there is actually much preparation happening beneath the soil. Just like nature, we too need rest to be re-born and bear fruit. It is easy to miss the work and call of God when we are busy completing tasks and checking things off lists. Discipleship requires intentional work, and often a lot of listening. Taking steps to deepen our connection with God and discerning how to live our faith are no easy tasks.
As we begin this new year, I hope that together we will continue pondering what it is that God is bringing into life for FUMC. The foundation of any movement of God in our congregation is most certainly rooted in your personal growth in faith and discipleship. Let's use our time this winter to dig a bit deeper, to listen a bit more, and to embrace the unique qualities of our community. Know that my door is always open to listen and reflect with you about God's movement in your life.
In only the last six months I have witnessed the movement of the Holy Spirit so strongly within our congregation. I sincerely thank you for your dedication and loyalty to the ministry of Christ in this place. I am eager to see where God leads, and hope you are too.
May you be truly blessed in this New Year!
Pastor Devon
