Something for the Journey
Towards capacity, fulfillment and support.
From Rev. Darrick Jackson,
UUMA Director of Ministries for Lifelong Learning
This past weekend, my Playback theater company did a show inviting audience stories of identity changing over time. Whether those changes were by choice or imposition, we explored their feelings about the changes and how they navigated them. We received beautiful stories that night. Some shared stories of realizing that they had made choices to be “successful” or to fit the expectations of others, but it left their lives empty. Some shared about coming into their understanding and acceptance of who they are. It was a beautiful evening of storytelling.
As I talk to people (clergy and lay), it seems like the pandemic instigated many people to reflect on their priorities. Our understanding of success is changing from centering on wealth to a commitment to wellness. And in that space, we reevaluate our dreams and expectations. If I can find a silver lining in the pandemic, it is this new awareness of what is important. How can our ministries be fulfilling instead of draining? What does balance look like? These are important questions to answer so that we can set the stage for thriving in ministry. And so many of us right now are just surviving. And if all you can do right now is survive, that is ok. May we find our way toward more capacity, fulfillment, and support in our ministries.
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