May 2023: Slowing Down to Keep Up
Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.
John 5:19-20
This last weekend Amanda and I went on a hike in Newport. We turned off Pacific Coast Highway, and before we knew it, we were at the Buck Gully Tail entrance. It was a beautiful and simple trail that was overrun with the fresh blooms of spring.
Whenever Amanda and I get time in nature our conversations turn toward God, our life, and where our time is going. There is something about being in nature that invites us to be contemplative. In between our shared thoughts was our shared silence. That silence planted the question in my soul, “Why don’t we do this more often?”
For me, this year was supposed to be the year of more hikes and more camping trips, and I was shocked that it was already May. Five months have passed by so quickly: Amanda and I moved into a new house, we transitioned as a church, Lent and Easter came and went, and for the first time in 5 months, I felt like I could finally breathe. I am ashamed to be writing this, but as someone who considers themselves a self-aware person, I was shocked that time snuck on me like this.
Living in California, time always seems to be slipping through my fingers. There’s always an event to go to, a birthday party to celebrate, a friend to see, a place to visit, and a sight to see. More importantly, there is always a Good God waiting to meet me in the whirlwind of the calendar. It may be cliche, but on this hike, I was reminded of God’s nearness, not in nature, but in my everyday ordinary life. However, I miss being with God constantly. The events always seem more urgent, requiring all of my attention.
As we reached the end of the trail, Amanda and I paused and listened and God, of course, was kind enough to meet us in the stillness of the breeze and the rustling of the branches. I was reminded often we can miss God in doing things for God, rather than simply being with Him. God moves so much more slowly than I do. For God, He is investing and planning for eternity. I get to partner with God here and now, which is exciting, but I must remember that I only get to partner with God in what He is already doing.
We as leaders must remember, that we are not the ones carrying the Kingdom forward. It doesn’t rely on us alone. Our privilege and honor is, like our Rabbi Jesus, we look for what God is already doing and then accept the invitation to partnership. So, it is a weird tension, but a truth that I have to be reminded of is that in order for me to keep up with God and His work in the world, I must slow down.
Our privilege and honor is, like our Rabbi Jesus, we look for what God is already doing and then accept the invitation to partnership.
•••
This month, let us slow down to notice what God is already doing. Here are a few options you can invite your House Church to participate in.
Community Get Outside
Spending time as a House Church does not have to be limited to Wednesday nights. True community is built in the time between House Church and our Sunday gathering. Make the most of Southern California’s weather and local spots. Enjoy a hike, picnic, or the beach together. It requires minimum set-up and planning. Find a weekend that works for your House Church, and go have fun!
It is important to make the most of this season before we head into summer and everyone is out of town traveling.
Formation Rule of Life
In order to abide well with God, we must structure our lives intentionally to be with Jesus so that we can become like Him and do the things He did. A rule of life is a tool used throughout Church History to help followers of Jesus name the anchor points in their lives that keep their formation tied to God’s rhythm.
Consider going through the Rule of Life course with your House Church to commit to formation with Jesus, and to hold one another accountable to each other.
Presence Silence & Solitude
In our busy world, there is no spiritual practice that helps slow us down more than silence & solitude. Take time this month as a leader to engage with silence & solitude, and then invite your House Church to consider incorporating this into their regular time with Jesus. Read this article from Ruth Hailey Barton on 8 steps to meet God in silence and solitude. Additionally, she has written a book on this discipline as well.
Mission Honor Mothers
May is typically associated with the international celebration of mothers known as Mother’s Day. This is a great opportunity for our House Churches to serve and honor mothers that are in our vicinity. Find a way to bless and honor your neighbors who are mothers.
This year in particular, in Long Beach on Saturday, May 13th, we are serving Lydia House, where we will be blessing and loving mothers who are experiencing homelessness. Consider joining us for this event as a House Church, sign up below!