By Rev. Canon Val Kenyon
NO DOUBT you have noticed that our lives are filled with constant interruption—there is the news, work and family obligations, anxieties, and the ceaseless noise of digital devices all competing to occupy our minds and hearts.
It is easy, perhaps easier now than ever before, to become distracted, to allow our attention to drift to whatever is loudest or most urgent in the moment.
In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul offers some advice as he calls them to be discerning, to choose carefully what they allow to settle in their thoughts as whatever they choose consequently will shape their spirits.
He writes, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable… think about these things.”
What was true for the Philippians remains true for us. This is not to suggest in any way that by following Paul’s advice we turn away from the realities or complexities of the world, or retreat into narrow-mindedness. Rather, Paul invites us to look with intention for what is beautiful and life-giving in the midst of everything else.
This can be a challenging task, especially when it is so easy to slide into negativity and fear, but as disciples of Jesus, we are called to cultivate a mind attentive to God’s goodness, to recognize grace at work around and within us, and to let that recognition shape not just our living, but also who we are becoming. In doing so, we do not deny pain or difficulty, but we choose in the midst of everything we are experiencing, to orient our hearts toward hope, compassion, and the transforming presence of Christ.
While there is a great deal that is happening in an Education for Ministry session each week, this cultivating of attention to the presence of God in and all around us, is top of mind. This is especially true in our weekly theological reflections, those moments given to explicitly connecting our lives with the truths we are exploring and how they can be expressed in the choices of everyday life, providing a safe space to explore and wonder together.
Within the setting of our Education for Ministry meetings in both our one-year Wide Angle programme and our classic four-year programme, each week provides an opportunity to hone our focus.
We undertake this together intentionally looking for the true, the honorable, the just, the pleasing, the commendable, the excellent and those things worthy of praise. In all of this searching, we strive to be open to all that God’s Spirit is wishing to birth in our hearts and minds.
If you are curious about Education for Ministry and want to learn more, please contact Libi Clifford, the Diocese of Huron EfM Coordinator or myself Val Kenyon at EFM@huron.anglican.ca We are always glad to help with any questions and considerations.
Rev. Canon Dr. Val Kenyon is EFM Animator in Huron.
EfM@huron.anglican.ca