Last month I wrote in my council report how I continue to be amazed and grateful for this small but mighty group of Christians who call themselves Shepherd of the Valley. You are open to trying new things (or old things in new ways) as well as considering things from different perspectives. You are willing and eager to consider the needs of the community outside of ourselves as you also support one another.
This one way we express our love for one another. And I go on to tie this in with being led by love, in contrast to being driven by fear:
“I receive important feedback from you when you reflect back things that we ‘ve discussed in worship or in some small group gathering… I’m appreciative of how we have been engaging in challenging conversations about our current book about compassion. I’ve been reminded from several sources that this work is about slowing down and listening. In the midst of a world filled with anxiety and longing for the way things used to be, our invitation is to be present in the present. Our tendency can be to look ahead – planning to accomplish things. The tension of holding past and future in the present is what enlivens the Spirit in us. How, you ask, does one do this? A few possibilities: Remember to resist the messages that attempt to drive us with fear. Ask God in prayer where we are being led in love. Look for Christ in our midst right now.