No Responsibilities truly liberating - being laid aside.

No Responsibilities truly liberating

A long standing college friend of my wife came to see us in our new home. 

In conversation she asked what I was doing. I think at first I was defensive in the sense of justifying my time - oh how ministers fall into that trap. 

“Well apart from the garden, the extension, child minding, finding time to do walks, started up running, going to church and being on the coffee rota’ etc etc etc. 

What she was actually coming round to saying was for her ‘It’s great to no longer have responsibilities?’ 

Pondering that has made me further realise why I intentionally said `I wasn’t going to do anything for at least a year. 

Taking on any role would mean being responsible, making a commitment that might stop me doing what I really want to do.  At present I want to be available to help our daughters and our grandchildren. That needs a certain flexibility and to allow us to have time for ourselves.

The sense of being ‘responsible’ brings with it the need to consume energy, sometimes pressure, and I guess even a sense of concern can I still do it? What ever it might be? It brings worry which can wear you down. I don't need that.

So in reflecting on no longer being responsible, no longer having to give leadership, it is liberating and I’m certainly not bored. 

So in recalling the Methodist Covenant vow

…..Let me be laid aside for you……

Lord Jesus
you took time out
to be on your own.

I guess to rest
to discern
to be away from others
to find stillness
and to be in that 
community 
Father, Son and Spirit. 

You did so I guess
so that when you once again
engaged with people
you knew how to be present 
with them
to listen
to challenge
to Love
and to cope 
with conflict.

May all who seek 
to follow you
learn to do the same
and find their refreshment
in being laid aside. Amen         © Mark Goodhand  22nd April 2023

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