Now that I have been home a few weeks I wanted to follow up with what has happened since. On my first Sunday back, I realized we had run out of communion bread while I was away. I went to WAL-Mart (don’t hate me for this) to buy 6 loaves of bread and the man in front of me had about 50 items. Of course on Sunday morning, there was only one register out of 27 lanes open. He invited me to check out before him and I very cheerily said “That’s ok. I’m in no hurry.” I realized as I was standing there that my time away had been a balm on my stress level. I really was content to wait and I never once worried about the time it would take. I’m not always the most patient person and waiting is not one of my spiritual gifts. So the Pilgramage had somehow reset me to the happy calm person I know is living inside the stressed out me. What a wonderful unexpected gift this was!
In addition, I have used the wonderful photos that I took as backgrounds and images in our worship slides. I also find myself quoting John Wesley in worship and casual conversation. My faith is so much more alive from this journey. My confidence in my ministry and the value it has has grown exponentially. I am more filled and overflowing in grace and I am inspired to find ways to help others grow in their “holiness of heart and life.” I cannot even explain to you how valuable I have found this journey into the origins of the Methodist movement and to the passion that started it all. I wish every new minister or layperson could take this trip as well. Only good could come from this. I am deeply grateful to the GBHEM for providing the partial scholarship for me to attend. I honestly can say that I never would have even considered going without it.
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