Being in Stillness
Sunset in Sudden Stillness, courtesy of the Holy Spirit, and my taking a moment to pause and receive it.
I've been awake since 3 am agonizing and praying over the testimony, calling, and discernment workshop I co-created with some folks in a class. We got to do it for real-for real in a ministry setting today.
The group really loved and appreciated it. Which was surprising to me, because when I facilitate workshops, I can't resonate other people. Conversations? Can't turn it off. Workshops? Pssh. I think because my workshops are always purposed towards being transformative, and it’s a group of individuals moving in so many directions so quickly that I can't lock with any one signature or something? So I never have a sense of how each person is experiencing the process.
Which is a perfect explanation for ministry, right? (The Holy Spirit is laughing at me right now and nodding while they eat popcorn. I, too, am hungry, but I need to clean up.) We as human beings aren't actually DOING anything but are rather PARTICIPATING WITH what is already happening. I use the titles "facilitator" and "coach" for my ministry because 80% of what I do is stand close with people in process and remind them:
This is a journey, and there are no answers, so much as some understanding of where we currently are and are headed next, and;
It is perfectly reasonable to have anxiety. AND while it may inform our direction (it tells us important things!), under no circumstances is it allowed to drive.
So I'm mostly here for encouragement and to help provide focus. To help people breathe. And to give hugs. I control and I “direct” nothing.
Ministry for me is a lot like me appreciating this gorgeous moment in the quiet, still aftermath of a long and rowdy day. It has nothing to do with me except that I show up as the Holy Spirit calls, and accept invitation to participating in what They are shaping. Because the power and beauty of the work is ultimately between Them and the space.
I'm just glad to be here to witness. Thanks, God.