Big Surprise!

So, I am a planner. In fact, every day when I meditate I notice the thoughts that most often interrupt my solitude are plans I am making. My practice is to bow to them (instead of fighting or resisting them) and say, “planning”. It’s an acknowledgement. During meditation others may struggle with “feelings”, “pain” or “memories, ” but for me it is pretty much always “planning.”

So, when I felt it was time to leave my work as Director of New Ministries, I made plans as to what was next. I didn’t ask for an appointment to the local church ‘cause it didn’t seem like what was next.

I settled on working on a MA in Religious Studies at Long Beach State and coaching part-time. I love Long Beach State. I finished my undergraduate there and found those to be the best years of my (learning) life. I was excited to return. I am also finishing my coaching credential and love working with people who want to take their work/ministry/personal life to the next level. The big idea was to start a new chapter of my life. I felt good and focused and ready to go. But then the Holy Spirit got involved.

A DS and I had a casual conversation about a church. Then, he called and talked to me about same said church. And he asked, what did I think about all of this? Was I open to serving this church? What did I think? I thought, WOW, wait a minute! I have plans! Big plans!

But the Holy Spirit scooped in and nudged me. I sat in my office and looked at the new poster I had just hung up that said, “Do all the things you love” and I thought. I do love the church, so what would it look like to go to a local church? How would that work for me now? It was a new question. An unexpected question.

So today it was announced that I will be the new pastor at Valencia UMC starting July 1, 2018. I had my introductory meeting Monday. I could see the future, and while different than I had planned I knew this was a God thing, so I said yes.

Valencia UMC is a great church – wonderful people, fabulous connection to the community and a very special place. I am excited.

So, make your plans, but be ready. God might have a BIG SURPRISE.