Pastor's Reflection 2024-08-22
As I pen this Pastors Reflection, I am looking out toward Kuli’ou’ou Ridge, near Hawaii Kai in Honolulu. I am taking a week off (after I finish this reflection!) to rest, renew and get ready to launch our busy Fall Season at Wesley.
As summer gives way to fall, I’m reminded of Psalm 1:3, which says, “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” Psalm 1:3 reminds us that life is about the seasons and the rhythms of nature. Soon, the long, warm days of summer will begin to cool. The vibrant greens trees will begin to transform into the rich oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn.
The changing colors of autumn reminds me that nothing stays the same forever, both good and bad. Just as the trees release their leaves, letting them fall to the earth, we, too, are invited to let go of many things in our lives: burdens, past hurts, and even the control we thought we needed in order for us and our families to stay safe and secure. To me letting go of the past and letting go of control, is a way to heal, gain wholeness and attain a balanced mental health.
In September we are launching a new sermon series called: “Journey to Wholeness: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit”. The sermon series will be on September 8th, 15th, & 22nd. It's important for all churches to talk about mental health because faith communities can offer a unique type of support through spiritual care, prayer, and connection. Mental health challenges affect people of all walks of life, and at all stages of life. By addressing mental health through this Fall sermon series, my hope is that Wesley will promote an environment of acceptance, reduce the stigma around talking about mental health and encourage honest conversations.
Trees know to let go of their leaves. It is a part of God’s plan and timing. We are also called to trust in God’s timing and believe that God is taking care of us and it is OK to let go. When we let go, we can better see that God is preparing something new, something beautiful, something whole for us.
As summer gives way to fall, I’m reminded of Psalm 1:3, which says, “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” Psalm 1:3 reminds us that life is about the seasons and the rhythms of nature. Soon, the long, warm days of summer will begin to cool. The vibrant greens trees will begin to transform into the rich oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn.
The changing colors of autumn reminds me that nothing stays the same forever, both good and bad. Just as the trees release their leaves, letting them fall to the earth, we, too, are invited to let go of many things in our lives: burdens, past hurts, and even the control we thought we needed in order for us and our families to stay safe and secure. To me letting go of the past and letting go of control, is a way to heal, gain wholeness and attain a balanced mental health.
In September we are launching a new sermon series called: “Journey to Wholeness: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit”. The sermon series will be on September 8th, 15th, & 22nd. It's important for all churches to talk about mental health because faith communities can offer a unique type of support through spiritual care, prayer, and connection. Mental health challenges affect people of all walks of life, and at all stages of life. By addressing mental health through this Fall sermon series, my hope is that Wesley will promote an environment of acceptance, reduce the stigma around talking about mental health and encourage honest conversations.
Trees know to let go of their leaves. It is a part of God’s plan and timing. We are also called to trust in God’s timing and believe that God is taking care of us and it is OK to let go. When we let go, we can better see that God is preparing something new, something beautiful, something whole for us.
Posted in Newsletter 2024-08-22 02