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Dear Pali Pres, As many of you know, I recently returned from a two-week vacation in Canada. It was such a gift to “get away” from the normal routine here in LA and give our boys an opportunity to not only spend time with their Canadian relatives, but also to see a different (and very beautiful) part of the world. Our trip this year included a week on Vancouver Island. We visited dear friends who relocated from Japan to Vancouver Island a few years ago. The week was spent in the rural beauty on the east coast of the island, passing our days immersed in the breathtaking nature that surrounded us. Each day was filled with hikes in the forest, walks along the coastline, skipping stones in the water, spotting wildlife (so many deer!), building campfires, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, and simply enjoying a slower pace of life. It was so relaxing and refreshing! In reflecting on my trip, I was reminded of something I recently read by theologian Howard Thurman. Thurman writes about making time to “center down” in life. I find it to be an important reminder of the need for all of us to center ourselves on a regular basis, finding time to appreciate the gift of life and acknowledge the presence of God in our every day. I hope it speaks to you and leads you to make time to “center down.” How good it is to center down! To sit quietly and see one’s self pass by! The streets of our minds seethe with endless traffic; Our spirits resound with clashings, with noisy silences, While something deep within hungers and thirsts for the still moment and the resting lull.… The questions persist: what are we doing with our lives?—what are the motives that order our days? What is the end of our doings? Where are we trying to go?… Over and over the questions beat in upon the waiting moment. As we listen, floating up through all the jangling echoes of our turbulence, there is a sound of another kind—A deeper note which only the stillness of the heart makes clear. It moves directly to the core of our being. Our questions are answered, Our spirits refreshed, and we move back into the traffic of our daily round With the peace of the Eternal in our step. How good it is to center down! Yours in Christ, Pastor Matt
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