Some ideas
It was very hard to sit through the 3.5 hour service today. The bishop who was serving though is very essential to my ordination and to the welfare of my church.
As soon as it was over, the group of religious officials went to the cafe next door and had coffee. I was there too.
i was feeling emotionally disconnected. Maybe because of fatigue? That's not relevant. I sat there looking at the bishop and felt I had nothing to offer. A freeloader. I struggle to get through services and generally I was feeling so much of this crazy hot Greek heat not knowing how to relate.
i finally thought to relate to his position of extreme responsibility. He has a lot of people who rely on him. He has a lot to take care of. So I thought to just respect him for that and for his great generosity with me on this trip and in general.
'Respect' helped me s great deal to deal with him and others today. I could empathize with him . Focusing on it intensely can make me feel menial if I think about it too much. If my respect is focused on myself and the joy I'd like to have in life too then things seem to fall in place mentally and emotionally.
have a good day guys!!!
Replies
I can barely make it through a 1.5 hour service at the church I go to, and I'm not there in any official capacity like you are. My job is to just offer a meaningful song which hopefully applies to the theme of the day... I just keep telling myself I'm not there just for myself but for many others who depend on me.
I think you answered a calling which is teaching you with on the job training and from your writings, you are adjusting well.
God Bless
Thanks Bob xxoo
I can see how you would have a hard time listening for that long Mark. My pastor preaches about and hour and that is easy to get through, but longer than that would get tiresome I think. You will get used to it if it is something you will have to experience in the future.
Take care.
Thanks Becky!