Like most members of the clergy (and most people in most professions!), I read a lot of content connected to the work I am called to do. Recently, in an article about sacred mutuality, I came across these words from a student describing their internship in hospital chaplaincy:
“When it comes to pastoral care my aim has always been to bring some word from God to that person through the encounter—whether by reading scripture directly or through conversation or prayer. But this summer I’ve started approaching the pastoral visit totally differently. Now I arrive seeking the presence of God which is already there and seeking to identify something of God’s treasure in that person. Then I sit with them to pray or read scripture together. I don’t know how it works for them, but I know it’s become a wonderful blessing for me. I used to worry I was inadequate; now I’m more often in awe.”
As we move from summer days into autumn agenda, it’s easy to make idols out of structure and busyness. There are things to accomplish, work to be done. Much of it is important. Some of it is essential. Through it all, in our longing to connect with the Holy, we are strengthened in the knowledge that God is already present, always: in each person, through every situation. May this knowledge expand our awareness of God-with-us. May our awareness infiltrate any dismay and chaos around us and encourage awe.
