Wondering What is God doing here?
We have passed the seventh month mark of living in community together. Approaching one year since we said yes to each other. This has been some of the most forming time in my career and calling.
As we begin to approach one year, continuing through Lent, headed towards imagining our next chapter together, I have to pause so I can reflect on what has already happened. We have already weathered some storms and experienced big celebrations. We have welcomed new members and said final goodbyes who have been welcomed into God’s arms. We have had hard conversations and discovered where we are more alike than we are different.
And we have done this together. Because it matters that we do it together. And we have to do it together because we are in community.
Every day I ask God, “What are you doing here? How are you showing up with us, for us, and among us? How are we listening well, missing the opportunity or ignoring you completely? And I really hope, God, we are not ignoring you!”
And every day I try and sit with God as I move throughout the day. Similarly to the way that Brother Lawrence and other monastics have shared their life is a constant prayer in the middle of sweeping or gathering with friends, I am aiming to stay in constant contact with the Divine. Some days this is easy…. Others not so much!
I think God is doing incredible work here: bringing new people to us, allowing us to broaden our community and become more in a variety of ways. God is asking us to push ourselves in our questions, in our actions and in our faith. God is calling us to not remain stagnant but to keep growing. This is exciting! And it’s scary! And it’s beautiful. Especially when we are sharing it together.
So I invite you, dare I say challenge you, to see who is missing. Who is not in worship or coming to Sunday School. Who is not returning calls or coming to lunch. Who needs the invitation, the encouragement and the personal touch so they feel seen and heard and included.
Let’s see what else God might do if we are just pausing to listen and then to act.
Peace,
Pastor Carrie
Senior Pastor | Second Baptist Church