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Dear Friends, "Pick it up! Pick it up!" If you have ever participated in sports, you've no doubt heard those words. Your coach is telling you to move a little faster, to pick up the pace. Did you follow the Winter Olympics? What a treat to watch the best athletes in the world ski, snowboard, skate, slide, and curl. I am always intrigued to learn how athletes train because the will to prepare well is a huge determining factor in how the race goes. And the key to preparing well is pacing.
At the Grand Rapids Marathon last October I made a last minute decision at the start line to run with a pace group. In some marathons runners are given the opportunity to follow a designated person who will keep a certain pace throughout the entire race. It's often easier to run when someone else leads by setting the pace: you only have to follow. This was a new experiment for me, and I wanted to see if I could maintain a consistent pace for the entire race. Why is pacing important in athletic competitions? Because if we start out too fast, we'll tire quickly and fizzle out at the end of the race. And if we start out too slow, we may never be able to make up lost time. In addition, the best way to conserve energy is to perform at a steady pace rather than allow one's heart rate to fluctuate by erratically going faster and slower. How do athletes determine a pace for their race?
What are important components of a good pace?
We have a lot to learn from athletes about performing to our potential, for I am convinced that pacing is the key to living well, no matter the circumstances. Have you ever thought about the pace that Jesus kept in his life? None of us know as much about the historical Jesus as we would like. However, we do know this. Jesus had a vision, mission, and goals for his ministry, and he followed his own pace. When Jesus was 12, he stayed behind in the temple instead of walking back home with his parents and the other travelers. When the time was right, Jesus began his ministry in Galilee by reading the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue of his hometown Nazareth, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." (Luke 4:18) Jesus knew when it was time to set his face toward Jerusalem and certain death, even when Peter protested mightily. Jesus set a pace that eventually led him to the cross. It was a journey that had all the components of a good pace. Jesus was always in touch with and led with his heart. He was baptized in the waters of the Jordan and relied on the living water of God's word. He said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work." (John 4:34). And he received strength from the companionship of his disciples. "You are those who have stood by me in my trials." (Luke 22:28) How are you pacing yourself so that you can live and serve well?
Pacing is especially critical for anyone who is in ministry, clergy and laity alike. Some of us are so eager to share our faith with others and build up the kingdom of God that we neglect our own health. By following a plan that has extremely challenging goals, we over-function and soon burn out. We need to slow down the pace. Others of us discover that over time we've lost our passion for ministry. We become bored, discouraged, and even depressed. Too often we say with resignation, "good enough," and remain content with mediocrity rather excellence. We need to pick up the pace. Churches have their own pace as well. I suspect that each one of our congregations has had times in its history when the pace was brisk, growth was the norm, and lives inside and outside the church were transformed because of many vital ministries. Yet there have been other times when the congregation was stagnant, complacent, and lost track of its vision. Because there were no goals or discipline, there was no pace. My prayer for our churches, clergy, and laity is that we will each find our own pace: that unique, natural, and God-given rhythm which enables us to live and serve well. An African American spiritual comes to mind.
In the end, just like Jesus, and just like the athletes at the Winter Olympics, we all have to dig deep inside ourselves to walk through our own lonesome valleys and run our own race. No one can do it for us. But with our heart leading the way, physical and spiritual food giving us energy, and friends to cheer us on, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. How are you and/or your church pacing yourself? I'd love to hear your thoughts by responding on the blog. Blessings, Laurie
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Leading from the Heart is the weekly blog of Rev. Laurie Haller, District Superintendent of the
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Sunday, I preached the lection Psalm 27:14.
In that verse, we find the work of the faithful life--being strong and taking heart, bookended by the words,"Wait for Lord." I couldn't help but think that waiting in this passage is not about standing still, but a little like Laurie's definition of pace. We are to move forward with enthusiasm for life and ministry, but we are not to get out ahead of God.
For me, Lent is about life rhythm--waiting on God. Sometimes I need to fire up and get up to the speed at which God is leading, and other times, I need to slow down long enough to catch my breath and refuel, making sure that I am keeping time with the ultimate pacer.
The Lord is My Pace Setter
(psalm 23 for the rushed….)
The Lord is my pace setter, I shall not rush.
He makes me to stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness, which restores my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind.
And His guidance is my peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hour,
For I shall walk in the pace of the Lord and dwell in His house forever.
As a member of GRTUMC we need a leader that will set a clear and steady pace. Trinity is more fragile than some realize- steady, stable leadership is essential if we are to bind our wounds and again become a "leadership"
Church. I pray the cabinet's decisions will fulfill our needs!