A note from Pastor Travis 3/4/21
Dear FUMC Family and Friends,
“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see all the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”
Recently, several people have shared with me the stress that they continue to feel dealing with COVID-19. It seems like there is no end in sight. I imagine that we all feel this way, to some degree or another, but what can we do about it? Are we doomed to a living with all of this stress? Well, of course, we will never be able to alleviate all of it, but our faith tradition teaches us some simple but powerful things that we can do to help us cope with it.
John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist tradition, was someone who understood these faith practices and was very diligent in using them. They helped him overcome the pressures of life, and he taught them to his followers, encouraging them to develop a regular practice of using them. Wesley called them “Holy Habits.” The United Methodist Board of Discipleship describes these “Holy Habits” as “walking on pathways where God is often found.” The idea is that through the regular practice of these habits you will grow closer to God and learn to give your worries and concerns over to God. Through this, you will more fully feel God’s peace, and, as a result, less stress. Among these holy habits are prayer, Bible study, journaling, worship, Holy Communion, and fasting (not just fasting from food).
When we read this list of holy habits we may ask “Can these things really help us relieve stress?” and “Do we have time to practice them?” These are great questions, and it is natural to be skeptical of them. I know that I first approached them with a feeling of hesitation. I am an extravert. I am loud. These practices require us to spend time sitting still and being quiet, and sitting still and being quiet isn’t easy for me. But, I was very stressed when I first learned of these holy habits, so I decided to give them a try. Now, I use several of them faithfully. I can testify that they indeed are a blessing which will enrich your life and help you overcome stress.
Unfortunately, United Methodists have moved away from these practices. It is not too late to reclaim them. Over these next few weeks, I encourage you to review your own faith practices. Which of these are already a part of your life? Are there any of them that you use to practice, but have fallen out of the habit? Are there any that intrigue you or that you are willing to try? Are there current practices that you would like to expand?
Journaling is a practice which I have fallen out of the habit of doing. I am going to try it again. I will let you know how I do and how it helps me. I also invite you to share with me which of these practices help you. Together we will get thought this difficult time.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Travis