HELLO!

It was a large crowd that gathered this morning to worship, to connect with each other, to attend the program Bethe has organized after the service. The line-up for the Healing Pathways was so large I had to put myself on mute as I walked to my office. I loved the choir’s Ministry of Music today, sung with passion. There was a good energy to be found. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCTyAJyvmQA

Bethe tells me she can see the energy in others. For me, I listen to the stories people tell me. That gives me a clue on how people are feeling. There was an interesting mix of energy today; people felt joy-filled, smiles on the faces of people shaking my hand at the door. And yet…there were also stories of frustration, with relations, their living spaces, the health care system, things just not being “right”. It was like “that was great…I am so annoyed by…” I listened. I do not seek to correct, unless someone is unfairly targeted. Good listening allows the one talking to hear themselves. Typically, when we hear ourselves there is a sense of perspective, sorting out the big from the small, things that really matter to us, as opposed to the things forgotten as soon as our rant ends.

As I left the church, on my way to the hospital, the gratitude and grievances went with me. As I tell Bethe, in my 35^th year of ministry, the criticisms of me do not affect me as they once did. I separate them, did I drop the ball, did I speak without care, did I allow my privilege to blind me to injustice. I do spend time with these confessions, I am often more troubled by what I failed to do, than what I did. BUT I no longer sweat the details, the mistakes about the visuals (my hair, my stole, not speaking to someone in a crowded room, the fact I do not hug). I never lose a moment’s sleep over these comments, not one. In fact, when someone “over-plays their hand” and repeats these concerns, I might well ask, “Clearly this is a high priority in your life”. My tone tells the story.

It’s likely the stuff I hear all day; heartache of a terminal diagnosis, a relationship ending, mental health reaching a crisis point, people living in tents, suicide, etc…It’s hard for me to listen, feel, absorb and pray about these matters and hear a grievance about how my stole distracted you.

It was a good day. God is good. I am blessed. Peace, Kevin