More wisdom from the Tao Te Ching

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Many many thanks for your prayers...

Let me give my heart some space here...More from "The Art of Pastoring--Contemporary Reflections" by William C. Martin:

Thought 15--Qualities

The qualities of a pastor are impossible to describe.
We can only see them in action.
No noise or clamor, but a careful manner of moving
through the daily parish activities;
clear eyes steadily seeing to the heart;
kindness and humility in the presence of others,
needing to defend nothing, prove nothing --
therefore able to respond
with the sureness of the flowing river.
Hiding nothing,
therefore able to speak truthfully with ease.
Can you do this?
Can you wait patiently
until all the voices that clamor for action settle down?
Can you resist the temptation
to do what the parish seems so desperately
to want you to do
until the Spirit of God reveals
naturally and gently the next step,
and events unfold as they should
without pushing or shoving?
The pastor does not seek success.
She does not see people as tokens to be collected.
Since she does not seek these things,
she is available at the level of the soul to all who seek.

Thought 71--Confidence

A confident pastor is not one who knows
what a congregation should do.
A confident pastor is one who knows
that she does not know.
Her confidence comes from being healed
of the need to know.
Having been healed, she brings wholeness
to the congregation.
And the knowledge of what to do
emerges naturally.


Comments

Jennifer said…
Dear Katherine,
You know many good sources from which to draw.

I went out and purchased "The Art of Pastoring" on a recommendation from you, here. So glad you touched those same resouorces at a time when you need them.

Lots of resources from which to draw.
Count on me for continuing prayers...
September 21, 2007 at 7:03 AM
RevDrKate said…
"She can do all things,
because she has released all things." Whew....that kinda says it all....thank you for this. As with so many of the things you post...right on the nose for me. Prayers to you and your folks continuing.
September 21, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Jan said…
I appreciate your quotes from this book. I ordered it and gave it to our departing assistant minister who was ordained this past June. I told her how you were liking it, so I hope she'll find it useful in her new home of NC.
September 21, 2007 at 5:40 PM
Elaine (aka...Purple) said…
I am putting comment #71 where I can read it every day...more if needed.
September 22, 2007 at 4:04 AM
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