conversations from the couch

I’m learning that pursuing peace isn’t about chasing peace–it’s about standing still.

This morning–before the 12 visiting family members currently crammed into our home woke up -I snuck some desperately needed time to myself with a venti nonfat mocha and the brand new issue of Group Magazine. It’s rare with the frantic pace of these days to find peace and stillness, and in the midst of this morning’s delicious silence I ran across this wonderful tidbit in Group Magazine called , Downshifting 101, authored by Dan Webster, founder of Authentic Leadership, and one of the NYMC speakers leading an entire track on Soul Care.

Picture entering your day with a sense of purpose and confidence that flows from a quiet connectedness to God. You’re unhurried and focused. Your heart has the resources you need to face the challenges of the day. There’s wisdom in the moment, compassion for the needy, and love for the teenagers you encounter.

Now think of life as it usually is. You enter the same day stressed, behind, pressured, angry, fearful, and worried…feeling generally on edge. Tasks seem overwhelming, teenagers are interruptions, and your personality has the aroma of kitchen garbage. How many days in the last month have been like that for you?

By nature youth workers tend to be people of action. We thrive of the battlefields of problems, decisions, and crises. If things slow down, we don’t know what to do with ourselves. The upside of action is that things get done, and that’s good. The downside of always staying in the action is that we run the risk of losing touch with our hearts–and that’s bad.

Intentionally downshift at the beginning of each day so you can bring a quiet trusting heart into the work of loving teenagers. They’ll be grateful and you will know joy.

Merry Christmas everyone! May you find God’s peace in your pace.