Note: CFD Director Macey Forsyth is off from Friday, March 12th, to Monday, March 22nd.
Before Commitment, Discernment…
“Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.” -Jean Jacques Rousseau
Recently, I have been considering not only the significance of the questions we ask, but how important sitting with those questions can be. How might we benefit if we were all comfortable with pausing regularly? How much greater of an understanding might we have of one another? How might our carefully considered responses mean more?
Sometimes, I have noticed that people tend to operate at surface-level. Understandably so, considering the pace of urgency we frequently expect in our society – not to mention, diving deep is often uneasy. I used to feel embarrassed about the way I prefer to sit with questions or ideas. In the past, among large groups or in classes, I felt over-stimulated and even a bit alienated because of my need to ponder for a time. When discussions moved quickly among large groups, it hasn’t always felt possible to get a word in. However, I have realized I can convey my ideas more clearly through writing because I have the chance to reflect, re-consider, and edit.
Now, I recognize that pausing before committing to an answer or building a covenant is a powerful practice. I now see my tendency to pause and contemplate as a gift and a powerful exercise. Sometimes, when we feel the pressure to respond with immediacy, we must ask ourselves why? Where is that pressure coming from? Must we truly answer the question or make a commitment now? Most often, it is acceptable to say, “Hm, let me think about that…”
I am recognizing that when I permit myself to take my time, I am less likely to over-commit or change my mind. I then answer in a more trustworthy and authentic way that is true to my own needs and values.
Let us treasure our time together enough to practice presence, listening as closely as we can before we speak. Allow us to respond more slowly, showing us the power of pause. I pray for the wisdom to distinguish between what is urgent and what can wait. May we be discerning and true to our commitments, building more trust among one another.
Bonus – I really found this talk we listened to in Youth Group impactful:
Dean James Ryan’s 5 Essential Questions In Life
Please know that I am just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.
Macey Forsyth
Please consider joining our private Facebook group: UUFM Children’s Faith Development (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404655806251029/). This group is intended for families and congregants who are involved in Children’s Faith Development. My approval of new members’ access to the information there is what makes the group a safe space for sharing. I will be sharing our weekly stories as Facebook videos on my personal page publicly and sharing them in the group, as well as short prayers and meditations.
Link to the stories: Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwWkbABO6HpDlw5Po2TdQA?view_as=subscriber
Youth Group: Our Youth Group meets next Wednesday, March 17th, from 6:30-8pm and the following Sunday, March 21st, from 11:30am-12:30pm. Barb and Lee plan to host both of these dates. Zoom info will be posted on our Facebook group and sent in an email.
Virtual Children’s Chapel: Our next Children’s Chapel will be held next Sunday, March 14th with Deb and Danielle. Zoom info will be posted on our Facebook group and sent in an email.
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Best regards,
Macey Forsyth