From the Pastor’s Desk
“Sing to GOD a brand-new song as a new world of wonders has been made! God has set all things right. GOD made history with salvation, and showed the world what could be done by God’s Holy Arm. And, God remembered to love us, a bonus… undeniable love. The whole earth comes to attention. Look—God’s work of salvation!”
- Psalm 98:1-3
Happy New Year Beloveds of Gethsemane!
We have been ultimately blessed with abundance this year by a gracious God who adores us. Thanks be to God!
As we enter our 3rd full year together as a family in Christ, I have been pondering what is it that will help us to continue to listen to God’s call? How might we remain open to God’s voice in our lives in community? And what might that look like for us individually!
Remaining open to God’s voice in community
This year, we are asking everyone in our Gethsemane family who is willing to share a little bit about themselves in a “member spotlight” interview. (see the sign up in the Narthex to participate!) One of the questions on our member spotlight questionnaire asks: “What is one piece of advice you can give someone?” to which one member replied:
Listen more than you speak.
As part of the beloved community, those are truly words of wisdom.
Listening is an art form. Listening takes patience. Listening is truly the language of love.
God speaks to us through God’s children. We hear God’s voice through the meek, the most unassuming, and the humble of heart. We hear God’s voice in bold and living color. We hear God’s voice when we practice listening – the language of love.
Remaining open to God’s voice individually
This year in late December, I began to reflect on all that happened this year. What went well… what was a challenge… and how I might be a better pastor, student, leader, and follower in my life. Listening for God’s voice this year was a practice, a discipline and sometimes a challenge. This year moved very quickly, and it was easy to get lost in the practice of making lists and checking off the tasks without thinking or asking for Divine direction. Looking back, I can see the times when I paused to listen for God’s voice and the times that I got caught up in the human practice of checking boxes and keeping a semblance of “control” on it all.
With that said, I have decided to dedicate this year to a few “spiritual practices”. The first one is to read. I have decided to read books about things I do not understand, ideas that challenge me or make me uncomfortable. At a younger age, I was often uncomfortable, and it is during those times that I grew the most. When we learn about things that challenge us rather than pretending to know, we learn empathy and compassion.
I have also decided to make more space in my life to run again, do yoga again, swim, and stretch – spiritual practices of caring for the body I live in. During the time I was discerning my call to seminary, God and I had most of our conversations as I ran or cycled down the road. This is one place in my life where I hear God’s voice.
Finally, I want to listen more. I want to hear what people are truly saying to me – even the tough and complicated stuff.
I share all of this with you in the hopes that you join me this year in listening for God’s voice in your life too! God is present – now, then, yesterday and always – ready to chat and ready to listen.
I wish you and yours a blessed and wonder-filled New Year!
God’s richest blessings,
Pastor Perrie
