This has been an extremely busy week. That’s nothing new, particularly, but it was pretty hectic. Next week doesn’t show much promise for improvement, to be honest. And in times like these, I am so grateful to be working in an environment where practices and rhythms that infuse peace into chaos and focus on Jesus in the midst of distraction are a part of my work week.
I try to spend a few minutes each morning in silence, after listening to a prayer reflection based on Scripture. And then I do some reading from the books on spiritual formation that I’ve been assigned for this quarter by the Transforming Center. But some mornings get away from me. And it is reassuring to know that when I get to work, we are going to spend 30 minutes praying together and meditating on a Scripture passage. I also know that we’ll do it again (only shorter) at 12:30-ish to stop the grind of “oughts” and “shoulds” for the day and refocus our attention on the One for whom we work.
Next week is our annual board meeting – 3 days of business, planning, strategy, evaluation, and… prayer. A lot of prayer. Silence and stillness are on the agenda for the 3-day meeting, as well as fasting and breaks for prayer 4 times during each day. Our Spiritual Director will be present during most of the meeting, holding the discussion and decisions in prayer, and leading us through reflection on Scripture throughout the 3 days. We have some challenging decisions before us, and I rest in knowing that our board will step into those challenges with a quiet and listening posture, asking the Holy Spirit to speak into that space, and guide and direct each person as we wait on Him. What a comfort that is!
I’m on a couple of nonprofit leadership forums, where much of the discussion centers around the fear and uncertainty of a board that the CEO doesn’t trust, or concern that the board is going to go rogue and implement their own agendas, running roughshod over the CEO. I can honestly say that that thought doesn’t cross my mind these days. Having a board that is committed to using a process of discernment for any and all decisions brings great peace. Because while all humans are flawed and have the potential for harm, this group is committed to listening to and following the voice of the Spirit. And He can be trusted.
While I know that next week is going to be long and require a high output of energy, I have the gift of going into it with anticipation and joy, knowing that I will come out energized and encouraged as we walk with the Spirit through the entire process. (It probably helps that I just naturally love meetings as well…! LOL)
I am well aware that not everyone has the privilege of approaching meetings and tasks like we face next week from this perspective. I accept it gratefully for the privilege and gift that it is. But I also firmly believe that all of our work, regardless of the place we are called to live it out, is worship, and we can create spaces of contemplation, and practice the presence of God wherever we might be. Some environments might be more challenging in that regard than others, but it’s possible. Brother Lawrence practiced the presence of God while washing dishes for years.
How can you practice the presence of God in your work this upcoming week?
To learn more about using a discernment process, I recommend Ruth Haley Barton’s book “Pursuing God’s Will Together.” This book is required reading for our board members and staff, and will be utilized heavily in our meetings next week.
