I thought I would start a blog as a way to continue my ministry journey.  I am coming from a large suburban congregation, with many staff and long hours, and transitioning (or trying to!) back into rural ministry with a different pace and different priorities.

Here's what I've observed so far...

Slower pace can be hard!  There is more time for thoughts that go astray.  More time for self-doubt and worrying that I won't be enough, am not doing enough.

Slower pace can be wonderful.  When I have time to take care of myself, and time to breathe and be, I am a better leader, a better pastor, a better person in general.

Being involved in the community is awesome!  I love seeing the smile on people's faces when I show up to community events, and when I show that I care for what they are doing.

Being involved in a community is hard!  To integrate in a community where everyone has known each other from day one is a challenge.  I wish I were more a part of the life here...and hope that it will come in time.

Being patient with others is easy...when they are new, and I am just getting to know them.

Being patient with myself is HARD...when I feel like I should be doing more, being more, etc.

So blogger friends, how do I make this transition?  How do I not feel like a failure for taking time to breathe?  How do I get rid of the guilt that comes from trying to transition from a job that needed every fiber of my being to a healthier job that requires a normal amount of time and energy?

Any suggestions?

Thanks for listening!
Preaching Kate