Finding Our Pace Together

Recently, I received a text from someone who was in the youth group at my previous church. Actually, he is not a youth anymore. He has grown into a fine young man! He asked me a simple question: “Pastor Jae, how have you been doing?”

His question made me pause. How have I been doing?

As I began typing, I found myself writing, “I think I am settling in. For a while, I was moving a little faster than I could sustain. But I am beginning to find a pace that allows me to breathe.”

After I sent the text, I sat with those words for a moment. Yes. It had been a lot. And I realized that perhaps those words described more than my own experience. Maybe they described something we have been experiencing together at Good Shepherd.

We have gone through many changes as a church. Some we planned for. Others we did not expect and might not have chosen. At times, it may have felt like too many changes, too quickly. Before we could catch our breath from one, another was already upon us.

And yet, our God has held us together.

Thank you, Good Shepherd, for sustaining this church through your presence, prayers, gifts, service, and witness. Thank you for caring for one another, navigating changes together, and faithfully doing the work that often goes unseen.

And thank you for holding our ministry staff and me in your love and care. We could not have made it through this season without your help and support. You have given us room to learn, to grow, and to find our place in this church family.

Now, I sense that we are beginning to find a pace at which we can breathe. A pace that allows us to notice one another, listen more closely, and receive the joy of being the church together. I hope you are beginning to feel that, too. My heart and prayers for you. 

I believe God is helping us find that pace. We do not have to figure it out on our own. Jesus walks with us, leads us, and invites us to stay close. Some days, faithfulness may look like running. Other days, it may look like walking slowly or pausing to catch our breath, enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and be with one another. 

What matters is that we keep following Jesus—and that we make room for one another along the way.

So, Good Shepherd, take a deep breath with me.

Breathe in... breathe out... breathe in... breathe out...

Thank you for walking, jogging, and running with Jesus. I am glad and grateful to be in this race with you.

With gratitude and love,

Pastor Jae