Monday, March 15, 2010

Not preaching just living!

This week our Chinese outreach pastor, Rev. Jimmy Nih is preaching. As I start this week, I am aware that not having to prepare for a sermon which gives me the freedom to work on other projects on my to do list. It also gives me an opportunity to take a breath, not have to concern myself with what I will be preaching on Sunday. I welcome the opportunity to take more time to read, to work on connecting with others via the internet, and take time to pause and discern how the Holy Spirit is guiding me and if I have been listening!
I love to preach, don't get me wrong, I love the discussions I have with others about the scriptures and what they have to say, putting together a worship service, with hymns and prayers,of writing out my thoughts to see if what I am hearing in the holy words make sense, and consider what action we are to take as a community of believers. This interaction with the sacred book feeds my soul, and give thanks to God for the opportunity to proclaim the good news.
I have discovered that taking a break now and then, helps me to think more deeply, and having to wait two weeks to preach again, gives my schedule time to delve more deeply into the book I am reading, or the scripture I am meditating on, to spend more time with friends, family, and members of the community, without the worry of having to rush home to finish the sermon prep!
How about you? What breaks do you need to take so you can breath a little more deeply?

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