End of an interesting week – three nights away. The insulation levels at Blogstead are so high that I am starting to feel cold almost everywhere else. Or is it just the thinning of the blood.
I coined the phrase, ‘spiritual well-being in good order’ – about the theme of the Clergy Conference. One of my correspondents inconveniently but reasonably wants to know what I meant. I think that what we were exploring was not just the disciplines of the interior devotional life – although that is foundational. Where we were heading was towards exploration of the nature of ministry and the personal and spiritual demands which it makes – that for the most part we don’t have professional skills or cut-outs to work with – rather it’s ‘nothing in my hand I bring …’ How do we deal with our fear? How do we deal with other people’s anger – and our own? How do we connect at the deepest level with people but, at the same time, maintain the space which makes ministry possible? The answer to all of those question is, for me, inextricably linked to our spiritual and emotional well-being.
It is good to have the foundational importance of the interior life affirmed as the basis for ministry. Ignatius’ ‘contemplation in action’ springs to mind – and his reiteration of the need for dispassion may be helpful in dealing with our own, and others’ fear, & anger.
very insightful and open.
I’m ‘skilled’ to use that term in certain things, but it’s really all about identity and that’s where the spiritual and emotional well-being is going to come out of no matter how ‘skilled’ you are. It’ who you are not what you do.
i’d say you’ve plugged into the paradox and the mystery of being. That’s going to affect whatever you actually do.
thanks!
thanks, that is a profoundly helpful post!