Planning Ahead

It seems like we never stop planning. Just as we get everything into place for the beginning of the program year, we start working on Advent and Christmas. And then Epiphany. Lent. Help, Easter's around the corner! After Pentecost we'll take some time to breathe and renew. Except by that time there's a VBS, and we're back to the beginning of the program year again.

STOP! BREATHE!

Just as important as planning for the program year is planning rest and renewal for yourself and your staff, including your volunteer staff. If you don't plan for it, it won't happen.

This was brought home to me yet again when I spent three days last week at the Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY for Education for Ministry (EfM) Mentor training. I haven't been to Holy Cross for more than a decade, when I went there for an individual retreat. I always intended to go back, but it just never seemed like the right time. Given the pattern of life at the monastery, we did have some time to ourselves. And because the theme of our formation training was Transitions, there was time when we were doing individual work. Although it wasn't truly a retreat, it felt a lot like one, especially in the mornings before breakfast.

Stop. Breathe. Take care of yourself.

It's a cliche image these days, but remember the flight attendant spiel about the oxygen masks. Put yours on first, then assist others who need help with theirs. If you don't take care of yourself, who's going to do it? And if you don't take care of yourself, how will you be able to continue to care for your staff, and more importantly, your learners?

My original intention had been to write about planning in terms of supplies for your program. Planning for self care seems more important.

Stop.

Breathe.

Renew.