Three weeks ago, I spotted this Barred Owl on an early morning walk. This creature only caught my attention, as they were repeatedly screeching. How fortunate I felt to catch a rare glimpse of them in daylight through the perfect little window in the trees. I stood delighted, speechless, and grateful, just before another person walking the woods approached down the same path I was on. I quietly but excitedly waved this individual over so I could share this view, to which they responded by briefly removing an earbud, blandly muttering, “oh, cool…” and wandered on.
This interaction surprised me as I sometimes forget how people in our culture often prioritize efficiency and improvement over slower ways of connecting. I understand and appreciate this difference but I also hold a prayer in my heart that more of humanity knows a deeper sense of liberation in realizing that we have some choice in this matter. There is a statement of traditional African wisdom Bayo Okomolafe shares and I have relayed time and time again, “the times are urgent – we must slow down.”
I feel grateful for time off and the ability to carve out moments of stillness and slowness this summer. I hope you are, too! Please keep an eye out for more updates in weeks to come on what is in store for the coming church year.