Dear Church and Friends,
I took a time out this week; went up to a campsite near Julian with my pastor friend, Liz. We arrived on Thursday, late afternoon, and set up camp. On Friday, we explored the town and talked a lot about our work, struggles and worries. There were no good answers. I felt a little frustrated. Even the walk we chose to take was so filled with difficult inclines and the sun’s sharp rays beating upon our heads, that we abandoned it early on. That afternoon, while we were on retreat, both of us were making ministry calls.
On Saturday morning, the children in sites near us woke me up. I took the opportunity to sit with my God, to write, reflect, and pray. In that sacred space, all the struggles dissipated in a moment of clarity and connection with the Eternal One. I settled into the lyric of the song “It is well with my soul.” And, I remembered, that what I desire most is to be able to walk through the rocky inclines of life feeling well because I’m with my God.
The walk Liz and I took this last day together was holy. It was a better walk, in the shade, and we both had walking sticks to help with the inclines. Our conversation turned to about what is good and life-giving in our ministries. We could see what God is doing in our churches and in our lives. We could feel the love again.
As I reflect, I see the movement. We were busy at first with the setup and holding on to the ministry as if it is ours to do alone (we had to make those phone calls). We even walked without the hiking poles at the wrong time of the day. And, then Saturday came. We had time to be quiet. We took out the hiking poles. We lingered amidst the trees. And Spirit changed our hearts.
Praise be to God!
Love,
Heather
Reverend Heather DeVoe Miner, M.Div
Rev. Heather served as the pastor at NLBCC until 2022. She continues to spread the loving and inclusive message of Christ, serving a church in Boise, Idaho.
