Dear Friend,

The start of the school year … I always look forward to it (as a kid, I liked school and (even more) school supplies, and as a working parent I find it far easier to actually work once my children are in school all day). And yet, every year I have to remind myself that the first few weeks of school are not going to be the bliss that I imagine them to be. Invariably there are hiccups, exhaustion, and a generalized disgruntlement at the change of routine. For one child, going back to school means having to be around people far more than they would choose, which leaves them exhausted and grumpy when they get home. Add to that the reduced screen time limits that come with school and you can imagine the frustrations that ensue. For our other child, the beginning of school means far more commitments and thus much less unstructured time, which they count on and love, even as they love their other commitments (well, most of them).

All in all, it is an adjustment. And, I am very aware that next year at this time will be an even bigger adjustment as Caleb will be starting high school and Hannah will be moving to a new classroom and teacher. So, I am doing my best to take small moments. To be grateful for the quiet that comes when the house is empty, to savor the first sip of tea in the morning, to enjoy the fact that both my kids go to the same school for one more year (and that it doesn’t start until 8:30). Life continues to change, and so I keep telling myself that this too shall pass and that I will miss parts of it when it does.

Blessings,
Pastor Sarah

Artist Not for Hire

by Daniel Domig

I always like reading interviews with people about the work they do and the lives they live. This one I found particularly interesting for its reflections on work, art, faith, and what it is to live, work and create faithfully:

“This is a reflection of the gardener, who can only create conditions for growth; he cannot make anything grow himself. He can keep the soil fertile and make sure there is enough moisture and not too many stones. And then he can only wait. The sun does all the work with the seeds he planted. As an artist, I sometimes feel similar to a gardener, who rarely gets praise for the fertile soil he has prepared, but only for the roses that have grown in the garden. … I simply follow the call to repeatedly put myself in a state of conception where I was free from other activities, to become still to listen and watch for what wants to emerge.”

Read the full article here.

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho

Andrew Craig

Here’s a classic with an interesting introduction about how the music supports the lyrics.

You Need to be Bored. Here’s Why.

Arthur C.  Brooks

There is so much evidence to support our need to put away screens for awhile and just allow ourselves time to stare at the wall and think about nothing. Here’s a succinct video about why and some suggestions for ways to do it.

Holy God,
    be in my mind,
    that I might let go of all that diminishes
    the movement of Your Spirit within me.

Discerning God,
    be in my eyes,
    that I might see You in the midst of
    all the busyness that fills my life.

Loving God,
    be in my heart,
    that I can be open to those I love,
    to those with whom I share ministry
    and to the whole human family.

Gracious God,
    be in that grace-filled silence that lies deep within me,
    that I might live in Christ as christ lives in me.
    Amen.

– The Rev. Canon James C. Fenhagen, 1930-2012