The past two-ish weeks of my life have been anything but still. From orientation in Chicago with the large group of YAGM volunteers, to this past week at in-country orientation in Australia. My natural instinct is to lean into the movement. My whole life I have been busy, filling my days with activities and as much human contact as I can find. This means I have very much enjoyed the go-go-go of orientation. One thing I have noticed however, is that some of the most impactful and holy experiences have been during the rare moments of stillness.
Reflecting on heavy sessions about race, power, and privilege while laying on the grass looking at the clouds in the courtyard of The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Creating and reflecting on new relationships while sitting on a bench in a small sprinkling of trees by our dorm after most of the city of Chicago had gone to sleep.
Drinking my morning coffee on the porch swing in front of the beach house in Port Elliot, South Australia while I watched the sun dance over the hills in the distance and heard the waves crashing in the other direction.
I am not good at being still. It is challenging for me to relax. This year is going to involve more hours of stillness than I am naturally comfortable with or have experienced before, but I know with each reflective moment I encounter, I will get better. A goal of mine throughout this year is to not only be comfortable in stillness, but to also intentionally seek out these moments for myself. So as I head out from orientation tomorrow and into my new community for the year I ask for your prayers. Prayers for stillness and peace, even when it is a little uncomfortable.
Peace,
Katie.
Katie's YAGM Journey 