Text Box: PASTOR’S PONDERINGS…. April 2011 Rev. Laura Norris-Buisch Text Box: The Lenten journey is a reflective gift. I recently spent time in Texas at a Credo conference. The purpose of this conference, for ministers between the ages of 40 and 65, is to take clergy out of the church community to reflect on his/her ministry, family life, physical health and spiritual health. What an amazing week! One of the aspects of the minister’s life that suffers the most is the spiritual component. Or maybe for some of us this is the case. During the week we sat through workshops, worship services and prayer service. Toward the end of the week, the staff set us free to reflect on the workshops and to be in the presence of the Holy Spirit. What a gift! Being still is not one of my gifts. But looking at God’s call for me was life giving. This is what I believe the journey of Lent is all about. Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest.” Lent is a time of rest and regaining your passion for life in Christ Jesus. It is also a time to consider your calling as a child of God. How do we fulfill God’s calling in our lives? There are moments of clarity when we know without a doubt that we are truly God’s. Being God’s, we are loved and forgiven not on our own, but on Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the Allelulias of Easter. My friends, there are three weeks until Easter time. Take time to see the Spirit of God in your life. Peace, Laura