Yes, I am learning this more and more. I think Francis if Assisi said, " We must bear patiently not being good...and not being thought good." When Richard Rohr quoted this he added, " Holy persons are not afraid of carrying some shadow material (we all do all the time anyway." It is helpful to me to think when someone gives me a criticism, the opposite can also be true and when someone gives me a compliment, I don't need to attach myself to it too much because I know the opposite can also be true. There is freedom in this. Thank-you.
This reminds me of "The kingdom of God is a mustard bush. It houses a few birds." Thomas Keating has a great sermon about this, where he says the expectation of Jesus's time was that "The Kingdom of God is the CEDARS of LEBANON!" Giant trees like Redwoods. But no, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a shrub that's borderline weed-like and hosts just a few creatures. I take inspiration from that. Do your small part. Nurture your wee shrub.
Great piece, Mark. I encounter this challenge as some church members want a big, bold program to make a splash and bring in new members. The simple of path of building an inclusive, welcoming community and going deeper spirituality doesn't instill that halftime marching band energy they are looking to feel. But I think it is the slow, patient work we need.
Yes, I am learning this more and more. I think Francis if Assisi said, " We must bear patiently not being good...and not being thought good." When Richard Rohr quoted this he added, " Holy persons are not afraid of carrying some shadow material (we all do all the time anyway." It is helpful to me to think when someone gives me a criticism, the opposite can also be true and when someone gives me a compliment, I don't need to attach myself to it too much because I know the opposite can also be true. There is freedom in this. Thank-you.
This reminds me of "The kingdom of God is a mustard bush. It houses a few birds." Thomas Keating has a great sermon about this, where he says the expectation of Jesus's time was that "The Kingdom of God is the CEDARS of LEBANON!" Giant trees like Redwoods. But no, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a shrub that's borderline weed-like and hosts just a few creatures. I take inspiration from that. Do your small part. Nurture your wee shrub.
Great piece, Mark. I encounter this challenge as some church members want a big, bold program to make a splash and bring in new members. The simple of path of building an inclusive, welcoming community and going deeper spirituality doesn't instill that halftime marching band energy they are looking to feel. But I think it is the slow, patient work we need.