October Musings & More
The Ministry of Presence (and a new resource!)
Hey, everyone! Bye, October, and hello, November!
I know not everyone will agree with me, but I am relieved to see the end of the oppressive heat and humidity of the deep south. Bring on some cooler temps!
I am excited to land in your inbox with a new resource this month!
But before I get to that, here are a few things I have been pondering as of late.
The Ministry of Presence
I have been learning new rhythms—healthier rhythms—in the last year.
I am learning to be present both to and in the moment. Being present to the moment includes being aware and attuned to the ways life is happening around you. Being present in the moment means not just being attuned and aware of it but being fully engaged in and experiencing it.
I am learning the beauty and goodness of being with the people in my life, not just around them. It is sad how much time one can spend around people without actually being present with them—really hearing and seeing them.
I am learning that *sometimes* being a person of action is about me—what I want to accomplish, how I want others to view me or my contributions, or even my inflated sense of self and desire to “save the world.”
I am learning to operate at a pace that not only honors my own humanity but also acknowledges and honors the dignity and worth of those with whom I share my daily life.
It’s what Henri Nouwen called the ministry of presence. I think this quote captures the re-ordering happening in my soul:
“More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them.”
Not every season in life affords us this kind of opportunity. It requires margin and resources that some seasons don’t have. So, I am leaning into it and attempting to soak up every bit I can.
Maybe I will write about this in a more developed and nuanced way soon.
But for now, I want to wrap up October and share a few things with you!
And, just because it makes me smile, here is a picture that captured a moment of great joy with my sister and three nieces, whom we affectionately call: Boo, Squish, and Birdie!
Three things I am grateful for:
Cooler temperatures: I am not a fan of summer. The deep south's combination of heat and humidity is oppressive and miserable. I do find beauty and goodness in the summer season. By the time August rolls around, though, it quickly devolves into a test of my ability to endure joyfully. So, the cooler evenings have been a refreshing sign that relief is on the way!
Weakness and vulnerability: I don’t believe we will ever witness anything more powerful and tender than when someone sheds their defense shields and protective armor and invites someone into their weakness and vulnerability. It is holy ground. I am thankful for friends who unveil their tenderest places in my presence.
Beauty: Dr. Curt Thompson often discusses encountering beauty and intentionally seeking it out. I have significantly underestimated the redemptive and restorative role beauty can have in our lives if we actively seek it. This month, I had an unexpected encounter with beauty through the kind words woven together by one person to honor the dignity, personhood, and contribution of another. Although I was not a part of that equation, God allowing me to witness it mended something within me.
This sculpture, featuring fractures striping the face and body, with the exposed and broken-open chest revealing the growth and life occurring beneath the surface, perfectly embodies the intersection of weakness and vulnerability with beauty.
Two ways I encountered Jesus this month
Through friendships: I’ve encountered the goodness and grace of Jesus through some rich female friendships. Most of them have been a part of my life for over a decade, but this season has drawn us closer—in ways I wouldn’t have chosen, but for which I am deeply grateful.
Through the Scriptures: I finished writing and recording my new Advent study this month. And throughout the month, Jesus came nearer not necessarily in proximity, but in particularity, in specificity through the Scriptures. As I read, studied, and communicated about passages like Ezekiel 34 and John 10, Jesus stirred and invited me to encounter him as the Good Shepherd. Through all of my study and work to create the Advent resource, this was the lesson I most needed to hear!
One thing I’m pondering
My attention has been captivated by the idea of beauty lately. I want to rediscover beauty as God sees it and created it. I want to redefine my understanding of what it is and how it functions. I want to be awake to it and transformed by it. I am sure this is something else I will have to write about eventually.
A New Website and A New Resource for Advent
First, the new website. The new website enables me to provide you with a better user experience for future studies and online content. The first phase is now live. But make sure you’re signed up to receive updates as new content is rolled out!
Second, I am excited to share the new Advent study, Encountering Jesus in John! Advent begins on Sunday, December 3rd, and concludes on Sunday, December 24th. This study has been so good for my soul, and I pray it will enrich your worship experience this Christmas season.
The study comprises four lessons, aligned with the four weeks of Advent, and explores four ways we encounter Jesus in the Gospel of John: Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, and Great High Priest.
It is a self-paced, video-based resource, accompanied by 12 instructional videos that will walk you through the biblical narrative of God’s provision for us in Christ. Additionally, you will receive a comprehensive 60-page downloadable workbook to help you further engage the Scriptures and encounter Jesus.
Sharing the hope of Jesus and the beauty of the Scriptures is something I never tire of. I hope you’ll consider joining me this Advent as we look at God’s provision for us in Christ!
That’s it for now! What about you?
How have you witnessed beauty this month?
What are some ways you’ve encountered Jesus?
What creative work (books, podcasts, music, theater) has most inspired or challenged you lately?
Love you guys!
CC
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Man I love all of this, love that wisdom comes with slowing down, taking in, being present...Im yearning for slower and more present as well. 🙌💜
So, so good, Chrystie! Can't wait to do the Advent study!!