Happy Summer!!! I hope you’re surviving the heat waves and embracing the many ways to enjoy the season here in the beautiful mid-west. I know I am; outdoor concerts, festivals, art fairs, being on and in the water, picnics, and more. Everything feels so alive during the summer. It’s always been my favorite season. Maybe, part of that is due to the fact that I get to celebrate my birthday in July. Woo hoo!
In the midst of all this wonderful summertime, there is still work to be done. In addition to serving my home ministry at Unity of Livonia, which is abuzz with all sorts of activity in celebration of our 60th anniversary, I serve on the Board of Trustees for our amazing region. If someone had told me just a few short years ago that I would be serving on a board, any board, by my choice, I’d have likely told them that they had the wrong person. If they’d had have told me that I was indeed the right person and that I would not only be serving, but in the role of president, I’d have known for sure that they had the wrong person. And, if that someone had said that I was not only going to be doing this, but would truly be enjoying the experience, I’d have likely laughed out loud, uncontrollably. Yet, here I am and as it turns out, that someone, would have been right. I do serve this region joyfully. I am giving my best efforts to knowing and understanding the needs and desires of all of the members of the region. I am gratefully working with a wonderful team of people that have also said, “yes” to serving on the board. We are a cohesive and dedicated group that has realized that all of our work is sacred work. I no longer feel that one type of service is more sacred or special than another. I trust that I am where I am and doing what I am doing by Divine appointment.
Right now, we are in the midst of some very important things in the region. A sub-team is reviewing GLR policies to ensure that they are up to date, in service to all, and are being followed. Another team is hard at work, putting on the finishing touches to provide a meaningful and memorable annual conference. And, still another team, is gathering nominations for those who are called to serve on the board. We are very active, and all that we do is a labor of love. We know that we are Divinely led. We have been nudged by Spirit and have answered.
I invite you to feel the nudge. You might think that you’re too busy in your own ministry, or enjoying family and friends, and leisure during this beautiful summer season. I invite you to think again. Ask Spirit how you would be most fulfilled. Many times, the answers will surprise you. You might say, “What? Taking on more work and responsibility? Without pay? More meetings? How could that possibly be fulfilling. No thanks.” Mmmhmm, that was my inner dialogue, and Spirit kept nudging. What I’ve found is fulfillment greater than I’d have imagined. Joy, that I didn’t know was missing. An opportunity to grow myself, and to grow in relationship with others. Don’t ignore the nudge; the inner voice. Go ahead and have the inner dialogue/battle. Then open yourself up. There’s something new for you.
Maybe it’s:
• Serving on the board – (you can self-nominate)
• Attending the conference – (It’s fun, informative, interactive, a change from the ordinary, and coming soon – registration is open through our website.)
• Finding out what teams and committees are looking for your input
• Reaching out to one another to offer support, prayer, encouragement, or a nudge.
Great things are happening in this region. Be a part of them.