From the Pastor
Beloved Christ Congregation,
Last week, when the temperatures skyrocketed up to the 90s, I found myself moving so much more slowly through my day. As I write that, it sounds lovely and languid, but in I was incredibly frustrated with myself. I had things to do! I had deadlines approaching! I didn’t have time to waste on slowness.
I think God, in Her infinite wisdom, created summer as a season for intentional slowness. When we rush and hurry and jump from one “to-do” to the next, we leave no time for savoring…listening…reflecting…being. We are, after all, human be-ings, not human do-ings. I wonder how different our world would be if we did more savoring and less consuming; more listening and less shouting; more reflecting and less reacting; more being and less doing. Sure, our individual productivity levels might shift, but maybe our renewed sense of connection to all of creation would lead us to new ways of healing the world.
There is a beautiful rendition of the 23rd Psalm, which I’ll include below, that begins “The Lord is my pace-setter. I shall not rush.” Friends, this week, may the Holy set your pace at whatever level is needed to renew your Spirit. And may you trust the process enough not to fight it.
See you Sunday,
Alexis
A 23rd Psalm for our Busy Lives by Toki Miyashina
The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush.
She makes me to stop and rest for quiet intervals;
She provides me with images of stillness
which restore my serenity.
She leads me in the way of efficiency,
through calmness of mind;
and her guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things
to accomplish each day
I will not fret, for her presence is here.
Her timelessness,
Her all importance will keep me in balance.
She prepares refreshment
and renewal in the midst of activity,
by anointing my mind with her oils of tranquility;
my cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be
the fruits of my hours
and I shall walk in the pace of my God,
and dwell in her house for ever.
