While we are told there is a time and a season for all things (Eccl 3:11), ultimately times and seasons are fixed by God (Acts 1:7-8).
By Rev. Canon Val Kenyon
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
We have all had those projects and interests in our lives, possibly a whole list of them, that we’ve been meaning to get around to, but for one reason or another the timing never seems to be quite right.
This is not really a case of procrastination, that is the action of delaying or postponing something, dithering, or staling. It is more about a heartfelt desire to being convinced that we have set the ground work to be able to participate in a new undertaking as fully and as successfully as possible.
We may be dealing with personal or family circumstances that make our joining new groups difficult at any given moment. We may not be entirely convinced that we have enough skills for a new challenge and so consequently, we would like to do a little more preparation before beginning. We may feel that what we need is more information before beginning. All very valid reasons of course and what a wonderful moment when the many elements of beginning something, especially something to which we have felt drawn to by God for some time, something we feel is part of the next phase on our faith journey, how wonderful when it all comes together, and we find ourselves setting off on a new leg of our adventure of faith.
Scripture is full of questions of timing. The prophet reminds us that the vision awaits its appointed time (Habakkuk 2:3). From the writer to the Galatians, we have the encouragement to not give up, even when we are tempted to grow weary as we wait (Galatians 6:9). While we are told there is a time and a season for all things (Eccl 3:11), ultimately times and seasons are fixed by God (Acts 1:7-8).
We have all likely had those occasions when we hear about something that piques our interests, a pursuit to which we feel drawn, a quest that we suspect will bring nourishment to those places in our lives where there is an ache, those places where we carry questions, concerns, uncertainties, and where wonder and curiosity live, even if sometimes mixed with a little trepidation. What would happen, if we were to listen to that inclination to begin a new journey, and in God’s timing, to intentionally prepare to set out in the company of other like-minded people to be curious together? Where might God be leading us in our personal lives and in our lives as communities of faith?
In a recent conversation with a first year Education for Ministry participant, reflecting on this process in their life, they shared with me something of their journey to the starting line of joining an EfM group this past Fall. While the interest had been there for some time, it was never quite time to begin… until it was.
Now a number of months in, while certainly not without some challenges, in their study of Scripture and the reflections of other Christian writers, their journey has provided them with new learnings, new questions, and new understandings of a God they have served for many years, in the company of and supported by others who too wonder and reflect on all that God is doing in their lives, in the communities they love and serve and indeed in the world around them. While it is a number of months away before new sessions of EfM groups will begin, what time is it for you?
In the Spring we will be holding a number of Open Houses where you can learn more about Education for Ministry and what might await you there. To hear more about EfM anytime within the Diocese of Huron, and how you can be involved, please just reach out to Libi Clifford, the Diocese of Huron EfM Coordinator or myself Val Kenyon, Huron’s EfM Animator at valeriekenyon@diohuron.org. We are always glad to chat.
Rev. Canon Dr . Val Kenyon is EFM Animator in Huron.