I am a pastor of a local congregation and a consultant and coach with the Center for Congregational Health…not to mention being a wife, the mother of 2 active teens, and an individual who is constantly working at being healthier. 

As a consultant, I have been working with a congregation doing strategic planning and recently with a congregation facilitating listening sessions.  Both of these congregations, as well as the congregation where I serve as pastor, are eager to move on to the next thing—the results of a survey, the report of the listening sessions and planning for the future.  As a coach, I have listened to pastors share about coping with being tired and many items on the calendar for the next few weeks. 

Over the past week, I have been reminded that Advent, while being the season of expectation and waiting, is a time for us to pause; to take a deep breath, to put on hold and to reflect on what this season represents and gives to us. 

Congregations eager to move into the future can pause to celebrate the work they have done so far as they prepare to take another step toward their future.  Those who are working in times of conflict can pause to take a break from the hard work of sorting through difficulties and reflect on being the body of Christ even when it isn’t easy.  Those who are tired can pause to remember that this is the season to share God’s gift of love with all. 

I invite you, in this very busy time in the life of the church, to take a few moments to pause, to remember that great things come in unexpected and small bundles.