This past Sunday on my way to Trinity, I saw a car coming in the distance, and so I instinctively slowed down a bit.  Only to find out that it was actually two cars, and when they were closer the second one started flashing their lights, and so I immediately pulled over, only to discover that this State Trooper was after the car in front of them.  So, I went on my way.  Then, as I sat and listened to the prelude being played, there was a moment when I was fully anticipating the resolution of the music, and then it came.  It was in that moment, I felt as if God was saying 'Slow Down, be patient.'  Back to back instances, of a need to slow down, and be patient.  (Yes sometimes I'm slow to listen, but glad that God finds a way!)

I'm human.  I'm like everyone else and sometimes I find myself moving from one thing to the next...slow down, be patient.  Are there times in your life when you find yourself going from one thing to the next, failing to take time, to slow down, and be patient?  Are there times when you are quick to judge?  Are there times when you are quick to respond, instead of fully listening?  To all of this be patient..."Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)  

(And just in case I still didn't get the message there was Sherriff's deputy in his truck across the street from the Bolan Schoolhouse...)
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Over the course of a few days Auggie, our 15 month old, was saying something, that we weren't sure what it was, but we knew that it was a word(s) to him.  Then a couple days ago, my husband figured it out.  He says "Bah  Rah"...meaning...Bob Ross (yes there is a story behind this for another time).  Sometimes I am reminded that in our denomination we have things that seem crystal clear to clergy, but not anyone else.  If you paid attention to your newsletter calendar, or the back of the bulletin this week, you would have seen that this afternoon I had my professional interview.  Makes sense to clergy in the United Methodist Church, because we have one every year...it's a meeting with the District Superintendent.  The interview serves as a time to for the DS to check-in with us, and also a time for them to share information that we need to know.  So, if you saw this and wondered what it was...now you know.