The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.
~ Tacitus
Easter Sunday was a strange day for me. Still ill from the stomach “flu,” with Ani and Rob not feeling much better, I gave it my all for the service, then darted around our Thank You brunch afterward, playing keep away from people who wanted to hug or shake hands, and feeling both feverish and foolish as I did so. At the same time, I didn’t have much of a better plan. I really didn’t want anyone to spend their next few days as I had my last few.
I was trying to keep people safe – not long after having donned a rainbow clown wig and capered for my faith in one of the most highly attended services of the year. Foolish and feverish. That’s a great metaphor for ministry – but trying to keep people safe is less so. You see, ministry is not about appearance or being cool, and it’s also not about trying to keep people “safe.” It’s more about sharing your gifts as fully as you can, learning to love past differences and disappointments, and it’s about taking some risks together. Being bold in Love. Being brave in the face of injustice. Trusting one another enough to be silly, to create an environment where both laughter and tears are welcome and embraced.
Of course, part of our covenant is to create a safe space for one another in that fullness of relationship, and a safe space for children and other vulnerable people among us. But “playing it safe” isn’t ministry. Real ministry – the kind that changes people and the world – requires a little foolishness, a little feverishness, and a whole lot of brave, wild, Love. Thank you for walking along that path with me, UUCC. And if I owe you a hug, a high five, or a handshake – I hope to see you soon and pay with interest.
See you in church –
Rev. Audette