Dear Friends
I have never driven a stick-shift in my life. And I feel like a whole person, none the less! What I do know is that shifting is very important to helping the engine run well. You can hear it when you are not in the right gear. The engine is running very hard and is straining to do its work. But the minute you shift into the right gear, the engine sounds quiet and smooth, almost peaceful.
After running in a high gear for November and December, I shifted into a new gear last week. I did the shifting by taking a rest. Rest is so good for the soul. Thank you for the ability to take a rest after Christmas, to reset my spirit, and to shift my soul into peace again. I remembered many of the things that make for living in peace amidst the busy and chaotic life we all live. Particularly, it was time with family, good sleep, and a meditation practice in which I hadn’t participated in a while. These things helped shift into that gear of peace and maintaining these habits will allow me to continue to be about life and ministry with a deeper sense of peace.
What spiritual habit, personal practice, or attitude helps you shift into peace? How long has it been since you took up that thing and allowed it to breathe peace into your life? What’s one step you are going to take today to participate in a spiritual habit, pick up a personal practice or shift an attitude toward living in more peace?
A couple of Church-related Notes:
With joy, I look forward to worshiping with you again this Sunday!
Blessings!
Pastor Becky Jo Messenbrink
I have never driven a stick-shift in my life. And I feel like a whole person, none the less! What I do know is that shifting is very important to helping the engine run well. You can hear it when you are not in the right gear. The engine is running very hard and is straining to do its work. But the minute you shift into the right gear, the engine sounds quiet and smooth, almost peaceful.
After running in a high gear for November and December, I shifted into a new gear last week. I did the shifting by taking a rest. Rest is so good for the soul. Thank you for the ability to take a rest after Christmas, to reset my spirit, and to shift my soul into peace again. I remembered many of the things that make for living in peace amidst the busy and chaotic life we all live. Particularly, it was time with family, good sleep, and a meditation practice in which I hadn’t participated in a while. These things helped shift into that gear of peace and maintaining these habits will allow me to continue to be about life and ministry with a deeper sense of peace.
What spiritual habit, personal practice, or attitude helps you shift into peace? How long has it been since you took up that thing and allowed it to breathe peace into your life? What’s one step you are going to take today to participate in a spiritual habit, pick up a personal practice or shift an attitude toward living in more peace?
A couple of Church-related Notes:
- This Saturday we are hosting a training event for any EPUMC members and friends who would like to learn more about a healthy and biblical way to resolve conflict at work, in the church or at home. This is a life-tool that you will value having. Called “The Rule of Christ,” it has enhanced the way I manage myself in conflict and created a healthier life for myself. I hope you’ll join me at 9 AM for the training.
- Sunday, immediately after worship, we will have Church Conference. Your children will remain in Sunday School until the end of the conference, which we expect to last about 15 minutes. We will address leadership, membership, the budget and grant monies. Hope you will stay!
- You may have heard news or read headlines that the United Methodist Church has split. That is NOT true. Plan to join me in the Sanctuary next Sunday (January 19th) at about 11:15 for an informal conversation about the current and future state of the United Methodist Church and how it may or may not affect our ministry at EPUMC.
With joy, I look forward to worshiping with you again this Sunday!
Blessings!
Pastor Becky Jo Messenbrink
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