Where is my point of reference?

It has been a whirlwind of a summer. I find myself overflowing with many thoughts, ideas, feelings, and directions, since I last wrote two months ago. Perhaps like me, many others have been caught up with different facets of relaxation, reflection, ministry and excitement.

This summer has brought me from the east to the west, to differing parts of this country, and exposed me to differing models of ministry, different ways of exploring the Spirit, our faith journey, and models of service and outreach in different contexts.

I feel as if I have started on a slow moving roller-coaster, which continues to spiral toward some great climax. I awake each morning with different possibilities and ideas seemingly flowing through my veins. The roller-coaster seems to speed up with every turn, keeping me off balance, as I move forward each day.

Is this what it is like to be in the presence of God? Is this the result of the interaction that I have had with so many sage voices, so many inspiring personalities? I feel honoured and humbled to have shared a small portion of time with so many this year in ministry.

In these glimpses of time, I have felt as if the Spirit is pulling me in myriad ways. I keep wondering where I shall land, at what point my journey this summer will bring me to the course I need to take.

Like the spinning compass, I feel as if my reference points are adjusting to the new learning and new encounters that I have experienced. I find myself longing for control, for direction, for ways to step forward and to step in confidence into the future.

Though directions and outcomes are not always known, I know that throughout all, God is present, and urging me to be reminded of God’s promise to never abandon me nor leave me. In the beauty of the memories and experiences I have had this summer, the Divine has breathed into me each step of the way.

This past week I took time to reflect, and write of my encounters with new friends, new partnerships in ministry, and new ways that the Gospel is present in my life. I thank God for the gift of reflection, amid the whirlwinds of change.

Thanks be to you, O God I love
For the opportunity of ministry.
For chance encounters that reveal
In intention and purpose
Kindred hearts with passion for your work.
The work of caring and shaping
Communities of those
Broken or hurting
Learning to find meaning
In the wonders that are present in your beautiful world.

You, O Lord,
Offer your hands so that others may join this endeavour.
Of constantly working
Shaping
Listening
Hoping
Revealing you in this mundane life we live.

Thanks be to you O God,
That all we see is but a portion of
The depth of your influence
The measure of your encounter
The space of you in our midst.

Thanks be to you O God
This day I have encountered in you a friend.