Father David’s post of 10/22/2021 — Having already written about the currencies of Truth and Relationships, this week I wish to briefly summarize the other four currencies.
The Currency of Wellness
In order for the currencies to flow and to be effective, it is important that we take care of our souls and bodies with regular times of prayer and meditation, exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep habits — to name a few. We all know that daily life can be challenging and at times stressful, yet there is gratitude to be found in all of life. Wellness grounds us in being awake to these unexpected moments of grace.
The Currency of Gracious Leadership
At the moment we live in such a divided country. Everything has become so politicized (including the pandemic) that people on opposing sides of an issue don’t want to listen to one another to work out a solution. It is very disconcerting that this is happening today and there is fear this will continue to the detriment of all of us. Gracious Leadership is based on bringing people together and encouraging them to speak respectfully to one another.
The Currency of Time and Place
The parish church is a large building and there is a great deal of activity each day. (A great deal less since the beginning of COVID, but more since some restrictions were lifted by the Governor). Friendship House is downstairs, Delaware Choral Arts rehearses and has concerts here, and Network Delaware’s office is in the education suite. Our church building needs a great deal of upkeep, and the Property Committee has identified long- and short-term projects that will be addressed. The parish is the entry point for many who come to SsAM, and it is important that we care for what God has given to us. It is a place of relationships, wellness, truth-telling, and gracious leadership.
The Currency of Money
The place of money in the Cycle of Blessings is important but is interdependent on the other currencies. A parish church is about the worship of God, equipping members to go out into the world to be disciples of Jesus, is to be a place of prayer and uplift for all, and a place where people’s opinions and feelings are respected and valued. All these activities require the support of the congregation fiscally and by offering their time and talent.
— Father David+
