R. Thank you for this question and for your honesty with yourself and others in asking it.
It can be easy for people of good will, especially those in leadership, to let their participation become just another duty/responsibility to fulfill. I struggle with that problem myself.
Here is what helps me:
1) Breathe- There are times, particularly on Wednesdays, where we breathe together. Deep, cleansing breaths. Take that opportunity to center yourself where you are. To be fully present in that time and place. Become away of where you are and what you are doing. Take a moment and get in your mind why you are here.
2) Pray- Once you breathe, Pray. Before you do any work for the church; whether it’s balancing the books, teaching the kids, baking the bread, shoveling the snow…pray. Address God, give thanks and praise to God, ask for God to work through what you are doing for the good of God’s church, offer any petitions that are on your mind, then go about your work.
3) Find other ways to connect what you do with your heart- Each of us has a different spirituality. Some of us are more head oriented. That’s okay, but we need to remember to stay connected to our heart. Some of us are more heart oriented. That’s okay, but we need to stay connected to our head as well. Find those spiritual practices that best help you connect more deeply with God. When your relationship with God is well connected, it is harder to let anything else become the reason you are part of this community.
Let me know if you have further questions by contacting me.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Brian
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