In This Moment, With These People
August 4, 2024
Written by Julie Long, Pastor
On the morning of July 1, I began my month away with a walk in the woods at the Wesleyan College arboretum. I often go to this spot (a lesser-known Macon treasure) for an early morning walk; it provides both a shaded place for exercise and the feeling of being secluded in nature without a drive out of town. As I walked up the dirt path from the parking lot towards the “wilderness,” I was reminded of Jesus’ own season away as he prepared to begin his public ministry and prayed that my 31 days of preparation would give me the sustenance and reflection I needed to be the kind of leader and pastor I hope to be.
I used the month for planning and preparation as well as for spiritual grounding and rest. I worked ahead on sermon texts and themes till Advent, and I read several books on preaching and pastoral leadership. I wrote in my journal and did coaching and spiritual direction sessions around the kind of leader I want to be, and I discerned what I hope to focus on as priorities in the coming year. I spent time in conversation with pastors and other leaders I admire to glean insight from their experiences. I splashed in the ocean with my children and went “home” to Fitzgerald to spend time with mentors and close family friends. All of these things nourished my soul.
I returned last week excited and ready to begin my tenure as your pastor. I am so grateful for the chance to step away to catch my breath and to get ready, and I am even more grateful to be in this moment, with these people, as we begin this new season of our relationship together.