I was shopping for greeting cards the other day - one of my guilty pleasures - and found a card that resonated with me. On the front the card there was a drawing of a person lying on their back with the caption, "I'm tired. Is anyone else tired?" I immediately thought of a list of people that I could send it to, with whom it would resonate as well. Many of us are tired.

 

We're over-scheduled, understaffed, overwhelmed. We're busy, sad, bursting with so many interesting ways to spend our time. There are chores to do, people to call, errands to run, a to-do list to tick off. There are books to read, movies to watch, TV shows to binge on. There are loved ones to spend time with, events to plan and be present at, colleagues to consult, meetings to attend. Many of us are tired.

 

How do you recharge your body and soul? Hopefully, we all have ways that work for us to renew and refresh our energies - physical and spiritual. I'll admit - it's hard for me to set aside that to-do list and take the time to do the things that will recharge my spirit and my body. It's hard to shut the email down and just walk away for a time.

 

If you're a rostered leader, there is a time fast approaching for you to do just that. The Professional Leaders' Conference, in Monterey, Oct 20-22 is a time to step away, be with colleagues for fellowship and friendship, to listen to some excellent teaching, and to be in God's beautiful creation of Monterey Bay.

 

If you're a member of a faith community, is your pastor, diaconal minister or AIM attending? Encourage the rostered leaders in your community to take advantage of opportunities to refresh body and spirit - registration for PLC closes Friday, October 9! Ask them how they are taking care of themselves, and encourage them to set time away for the needed refreshment and renewal that God ordered in creation...and then be prepared to talk about the ways that you are doing this as well!

Reverend Katy Grindberg
Assistant to the Bishop