From the General Presbyter

 

I don’t know about you, but I am tired. Not the proverbial tired of the pandemic or the news about anti-racism marches. Speaking of marches, I attended the Howard County march and it was wonderful. Police, organizers and citizens working together to promote justice and create a meaningful event.

No, I am talking about being tired literally. Between the Zoom calls within and without of the Presbytery, the emails, my daughter’s High School graduation and college entry, my father’s estate and protecting myself through social distancing – I am exhausted. And you know what? I bet you are too.

Seminary did not prepare us teaching elders for how to lead in a pandemic. There was no course entitled “how to be a great pastor/leader when an unpredictable virus takes over and forces you to learn online worship while you stay at home with bored children.” It’s not in the curriculum!

In staff meeting, I asked when they will be talking vacation. It was truly a “do as I say, not as I do moment” because there is NO WAY I can take a break. I’M TOO BUSY!!!! Can I get an Amen??

I have since shifted a bit and so should you. We all need a break. We need to turn off our email for a few days or even a week and decompress. We need to take the time and space do something that has absolutely nothing to do with church and ministry. If we don’t rest, we will become flat, irritable and crazy, maybe all three! Our crowded brains and stressed bodies will thank us.

Session leaders, give your pastor a break, because we are in it for the long haul. This pandemic has changed us and we need to pace ourselves to be effective and faithful.

– Jackie