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Dear Covenant Friends,
I am about to leave for an ecumenical retreat center in Wyoming, thanks to the study leave included in a pastor’s compensation package. Study leave is a valuable time for spiritual and academic growth, relaxation and an opportunity to get away from a normal, harried routine.
This summer has been both busy and blessed. A few weeks ago, our son Kyle married the love of his life. They are still on their honeymoon, so we haven’t debriefed the big event, but I look forward to seeing the photos and sharing the memories when we are all back in town.
Weddings can be hard work, and everyone told me that once the day arrived, I would relax. I didn’t. Despite the beautiful tables we set, the flowers and the cake, the bounteous barbeque, the gorgeous setting and the happy couple, I worried whether there would be enough food (there was) and whether everyone was having fun (they were). In Systems thinking, this is called over functioning, and it is not particularly healthy, but it did feel…familiar.
I realized that I do the same thing at church. Despite the talented staff, the beautiful sanctuary, the Table set by our Lord, the loving deacons and competent elders and trustees, I often worry. Are people finding welcome in the pews? Can they hear and see what’s going on? Does the Word read and proclaimed speak to them? Is there enough cake? Classic over functioning. Like guests at a wedding banquet, we each carry some responsibility to be open to the Spirit and bring something to the party.
Here’s where this is going. I’ll be on study leave for two weeks, in a quiet place, giving both my nervous system and my body time for renewal. I’ll be in a place where I’m not responsible for the program, the food, the relationships or the worship. I will be thinking about y’all, but also trying not to worry. I’ll be open to the Spirit and bring my best self to interact with the other retreatants.
So, like my dad used to tell me when he left the house (yes, I’m the oldest sibling), hold the fort!
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