Conference Minister's Corner 5.6.26

Conference Ministers’ Corner

By: Transitional Associate Conference Minister, Linda Hirst

5.6.26

While sitting outside last week, my friend and I noticed that a couple of bluebirds had claimed residence in her newly constructed bluebird house. So exciting! We sat outside in lawn chairs (it was a rare warm day) and watched as the female bluebird zipped from the birdhouse, across the yard to a tree where she'd gather a few pine needles, then zip back to her "home." Once there she'd disappear inside to drop off the needles, then fly outside back to the tree to gather more. She did this over and over. Clearly, she was building a nest.

We watched for quite a long time, all the while getting more and more anxious. This was going to take her forever! She only carried a few needles at a time! How long could she keep this up?! The more she flew back and forth—bobbing and dipping as she went—the more anxious we got. Both of us had this urge to build this nest for her so she could stop and rest. It was exhausting watching her go about her work.

And then the epiphany hit: a) we can't always do things for others, b) we shouldn't always do things for others, and c (a BIG C)—some things take time, and that's just the way it is, and sometimes that's the way it should be: that's life, that's ministry, that's church. There are things that can't be rushed, and as hard as it can be to watch and wait, or work and wait, we have to allow space and time for this to happen. Space and time to allow for ministry to take root and flourish, for God to give us purpose and direction (in life and in ministry), for sermons to be written, and for nests to be built.

Some things take time. And that's as it should be. May God give us patience, deep breaths, and courage to trust and wait. Amen?

See you in Church — Linda