Today I led staff devotions in my new congregation Memorial Presbyterian Church. My devotion was a reading from a book by the former Senior Pastor at my home congregation Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rev. Don Miesel. The reading was about balance and how vital balance is to ones faith journey. At first I could not figure out why I was drawn to this reading. Then it dawned on me-I've been feeling unbalanced. Since moving to Appleton and starting this new call a majority of my life has revolved around the church and the people in church. It occurred to me that maybe God is reminding me to find and/or rediscover other outlets for my time and energy. What else am I passionate about? What else to I enjoy doing?
As I've pondered this today amongst the work of my call I realize I miss writing and blogging (it has been over 6 months since I posted last), I miss my photography, I miss crocheting, and I miss reading! I am reminded that I am more than my job and God has given me gifts, skills, and passions that also make me who I am.
I was also reminded that taking a break from blogging, photography, reading, crocheting was necessary to focus my energy on my job search and the "soul and shame work" that I need to do in order to be where I am now. Granting my self grace to do what I needed to do and not what I thought I "should" be doing has given me freedom to be more authentic and true to myself.
Thus I'm ready to be "back in the saddle"-sharing my musings and my photographs.
