GREAT MEETING

Dear Friends in Christ –

On Sunday, I participated in a great meeting. Hmmm . . . the words “great” and “meeting” in the same sentence. Unusual? Definitely. Dishonest? No – in spite of the fact that we’ve all had experiences that illustrate why the descriptor typically preceding the word “meeting” is “boring”. What made Sunday’s meeting great? Well . . .

1. We started by telling the truth about the tough stuff that’s going on in our lives and in our work here at church.
2. We prayed, and told God the truth.
3. We talked about all the ministry stuff we wanted to do.
4. We discovered that we’re not sure how much work is enough. There are always more things we “could” do than we “can” do.
5. We started to make a list of things we’re NOT called to do.

It felt good to make that list; REALLY good. Because, in the process, we discovered that there are some things we can feel good about NOT doing. Things we are bad at (yes, even at this wonderful parish there are a few of those). Things we used to do that we’re no longer interested in doing. Things we would like to do, but don’t have the resources for right now.

Identifying a list of things we’re NOT called to do helped us to touch down more solidly on the ground of what we ARE called to do. Guilt lost its hold in the face of truth. Clarity gave us breathing room and renewed energy.

We can fantasize all we want about being other than we are – better, stronger, smarter, holier. But the truth is, we are only called to be the people of God in THIS place. And even with our limitations, our flaws, our growth-stunted places, our unfulfilled potential, God only asks us to become more fully what we are (His beloved people) and to offer what we have (that which He has given to us). And when God sees us being who we are, and doing what He calls us to do, God says that’s enough, that’s good.

May you have a great meeting – 1:1 with God or with others – where you become clear about what you’re NOT called to do, so you can find freedom and joy in doing what you ARE called to do.

Faithfully,
Janet+