“The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise [one.]” Euripides
As we enter November, Fall draws to a close. This has been a particularly busy season. The churches have (together and individually) restarted choir, reopened the Lantern shop, launched Youth Music Program, reopened Bible study, resumed the Healing Services, hosted Loaves and Fish, continued with SJMC, begun an ongoing Hope’s Door collection, closed the Mustard Seed Garden, launched Stewardship, and engaged ourselves in the joint visioning process (and the list goes on.)
As we move forward we will open a new monthly youth group and host the first week of the Ossining Emergency Shelter.
As I look at this seemingly disparate list, it is heartening to see that some patterns emerge. First there is care for others; then, praise of and connection to God; and thirdly I perceive an awareness of the practicalities which keep our institutional life flowing.
These are three worthy components but they do keep us spinning! So, how do we stay in balance?
I would quote Euripides as the answer here. We need to “remember the great powers around us and in us.” We need to engage in times of quiet prayer. How?
Here is a simple three step process you can do daily: (It takes about 1/2 hour)
1. Ask God to be able to see yourself as God does.
2. Thank God for several SPECIFIC things in your life this day.
3. Go through the previous day in your mind noting the feelings you had and ask God to heal or uplift those moments. Close the time with thanksgiving.
I hope this process is of help to you in busy times. Congratulations and thanks to each and all who have been so busy this Fall. May your generosity be blessed. And remember, you have not engaged in these efforts alone. God is with you.
Faithfully, Cooper+