Summer Adventure
How have you celebrated the summer months? I am always surprised at this time of year when my East coast and Midwest friends post their ‘back to school’ photos and we are still in the summer mode here on the West coast. Oregon schools don’t usually start until close to labor day in early September so the final weeks of August find many people off on one more summer adventure prior to getting into the routine structure of fall.
Our family summer adventure was a guided 8-day tour to Ireland. We have been back for a little more than a week. It took a while to get over the jet lag but as I return to my routine work, I find myself looking back at our pictures from the trip and smiling in joy. We spent several nights in the town of Dingle, and a highlight for the entire trip was an up-close experience with beautiful falcons, hawks and owls. Even though it was pouring rain the entire hour and we were soaked, there were smiles all around throughout the presentation. Having a large bird fly across a circle of 25 people and land on your outstretched arm was exhilarating. The video of my son’s experience with his big smile at the end will bring me joy for many days to come. (Learn more about the falconry experience here)
Live the Adventure
As I get back into the routine of zoom calls, emails, training plans, and other administrative tasks, I wonder how I can keep a sense of curiosity and joy into my tasks? Can I find beauty in my own backyard? Can I take time each day to learn something new? One of my favorite short poems by the late Irish poet, author, and priest, John O’Donohue, is a reminder for me to bring a sense of adventure to all of life, even the routine and ordinary tasks.
Fluent
I would love to live
Like a river flows,
Carried by the surprise
Of its own unfolding.
~ John O’Donohue
I wonder…
…In the midst of planning for your Messy Church this coming school year, can you make space to be surprised?
…As you return to a work rhythm from your summer break, can you trust the unfolding of ordinary days?
…Can you trust that the Spirit of God is flowing in and through your work?
Praying for you in the midst of the adventure of life!
Peace, Roberta