Of God-incidences and study

I love God-incidences.

You know, those things the world often calls coincidences.

As a part-time local pastor in the United Methodist Church, I have to take what is called Course of Study as continuing education. There are 20 classes, but part-timers have 10 years to complete 20 classes; full-timers, 5 years. I really don't relish dragging those classes out for 20 years, but I at least try to keep on pace. Sometimes it's really difficult to get the work done while holding down a full-time job and a church.

This particular course, Pastoral Care for Spiritual Formation, has come at a particularly difficult time for me. Still, I really need to complete it ... and it has turned out to be something of a God-incidence.

Take, for instance, one of the textbooks: "Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life," by Henri Nouwen. I actually had that book on my shelf, but had not yet read it. I just love Nouwen's work, so when I was given the opportunity to plunder the library of a closed church, I snatched this one up. It's been a joy to read and learn from, and couldn't have come at a better time as I seek to learn more about pastoral care, as well as to further my own spiritual disciplines.

Now, back to my reading and writing ...

Grace and peace ...