There was a better way

There was a better way Every time we have a task or project implementation is not always the person who can lead? And if the task was to follow a model of the series, not as we do, in time of methods that have worked all the time? But sometimes events happen so fast that it is our breath. If things go as planned, tempers flare, low mood, and we are perplexed in the shortest time - especially when it comes through last-minute changes to the authorization, which so easily be set aside only if the authority take a softer position. Yes, I have recently. My colleagues and I have had a moderator 32-week study of students through the Bible "program last year and now we have organized a retreat at the end of year as the culmination of study for participants. It 'was very important that we make it right. The timetable for withdrawal has been very carefully planned. The highlight of the retreat with a mass where the priest gives his blessing for those who wanted to become facilitators for the next year and continue to send to work. But this time was different from that of previous years. In our first year we had the retreat at Stella Maris, an old 3-storey building, where tables, chairs, sound system, and many other items essential to the conduct of the withdrawal were not available. I could remember how old the participants to fight against the stairs, while the presenter has a table and chairs, and down the stairs. Setting the tone and OHP was also a fight for the moderators. In subsequent years we have had in a hotel on the beach. E 'was great for the first time, but the cost has increased the following year, and was not within the reach of many of the participants. However, everything went according to plan, and staff were able to urgent matters that will be pruned. But the other hotel patrons and the public to do their own things, the organization of its functions and sounds and the area around the hotel! This year, someone recommended a new building located on the floor of a church. This church is well known, big and large. The church floor is spacious, with a green hill slopes, and is so beautiful. For many of us was an ideal place for spiritual retreats. And it is relatively cheap. All the structures for the withdrawal were - single storey, spacious rooms, sound systems, a short distance from our house, lots of space for reflection and Taizé, and low costs - seems an ideal place. But we discovered that there are some difficulties. Some of the older participants wanted to land during the retreat. This does not happen if the disengagement were approved by the church. However, this was not a serious problem. Our biggest shock was when we were told by the priest that we do not have a mass at the end of the mass withdrawal and that collaboration with the parish community. The reason - the chapel that is used to keep the mass has not yet been blessed. Immediately it was turmoil between our moderators know that the mass was first performed in the homes of people who are not yet blessed. Most of us can not affect the validity of reason. What have we? There have been grumblings from the people, especially older generations. He was restless, their mood, and was discouraged. However, some of our more sober members retued to their senses and came very quickly with an alteative plan. The program for the withdrawal was very specific. The mass was the time for students to send to the disciples of all nations. It 'been set for the last event. We were obliged to attend the mass hours before we could after the other parts of the withdrawal. Of course, this would be the entire floor. All speakers expressed their conce during the meeting that lasted late into the night. Finally, we came with the idea of a community, where to eat or be supplied with this priest. Some parts of the program have been transferred. The mass started at 8:00 clock all the participants for a total withdrawal north wing of the church. What happened during the mass, which are completely speechless! All the songs and their messages, from the beginning to the end of the Mass, which is fully in line with what we wanted the participants to experiment. The 1st Reading it was 49:3, 5-6. There will be discussions on the light Nations and the appointment of an agent, to retu his people. "Because you, the people praise me." The Psalms, Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10, which is sure if I trust in the Lord, and the will to do the will of God, "Behold, I am and how I like to do your will "and not on the news of salvation for me, but sharing with others. The 2nd Reading, Cor 1:1-3, talks on the name of God's holy people. And finally, the Gospel is John 1:29-34 which speaks of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. In the sermon, the pastor very clear that the readings were about the succession. He explained that St. John the Baptist, that such a famous person humble himself and was able to accept the fact that they are in a lower position, as Jesus Christ came. What an ad! Here we were trying so hard to make the message to the participants and now the whole Church is to reinforce the message that we wanted to announce. All the songs were sung to the message, and was sung by the whole church community, and the choir, with music, images and all! Each time the priest referred discipleship, we sit on the benches to smile and nod our heads at each other. Tears came to some of us to understand how God's ways are so different from our ways, and that he is more of what we can do thanks to our efforts. With the entire sequence of events that took place, is the dawn on me that one of the things in which the priest was preaching obedience - was one of the succession. He was trying to test our spirit? If he has, I think we had the test with the presentation of his authority and not against him. When the mass was, we came out in awe. God has more than what we expected. The book of Proverbs in the Bible offers wisdom on the right side of life. Our collection of "50 Secrets of Truth and the Life" might help people study the scriptures. Photographic material in finished form is a fun way to look at Biblical Proverbs. Maybe you can open people's hearts ...