What are you pouring yourself into?
Last week this question invited me to think of all the ways I am pouring myself into my own living and into the lives of others. I heard the question in a circle of interfaith leaders gathered in the Twin Cities.
The gathering brought together young leaders from Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Native American organizations, congregations, and groups. Before arriving, the planners invited us to bring and share a symbol of ourselves, our lives and our work.
It was the beginning of two beautiful days of reflecting together on the “truth of now” in the world, and what we dream of for the future of the world, and how we are pouring our lives into making that dream come to life. We considered obstacles and also how we can support and resource each other. So inspiring!
The opening question is still sticking with me. This week when many Americans turn to the complicated holiday of Thanksgiving, I am thinking not just about the blessings poured into my life (how small that thinking is!), but how I am pouring my life into God’s broken and beautiful world.
With my work in just the last few days, I am pouring myself into…
- friends and colleagues, people I’ve known now for many years, by walking with them, listening to their lives, commiserating and celebrating, laughing and loving life in all its mess together;
- talking about scholarship, writing, and giving feedback;
- sharing meals and renewing spirits;
- listening to the lives of young religious leaders and thinking about what they need to do their work;
- shining a spotlight on the work of my colleagues in theological education to make space for what they are pouring their lives into.
Each of these moments has not only been about me pouring out my life, it has been about receiving what others share with me, filling me up and renewing my strength. These moments give me courage to speak the truth about now, and the hope to dream about how we love and heal this broken and beautiful world.
What are YOU pouring yourself into?
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This time for Three Minute Ministry Mentor is a bit of a fallow time… we are regathering, giving thanks, thinking about how we will continue to pour ourselves into supporting you in your practice of ministry.
We would love to hear from you in this time!
And please join us in anticipating with us the new directions 3MMM will be taking in 2020.
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