The causes of spiritual malaise can be varied and complex, but a good starting place is to discern whether they come from a lack of fulfillment or—to play with words a bit—“fillment.”
While the Christian life is one of service, we can suffer when our basic human needs are not met. These needs range from grief over a loved one to missing sleep, nutrition or emotional intimacy. We may feel we are “losing our minds” when the truth is that our needs are unmet and our self-worth cup is unfilled. That’s not selfish—it’s being human!
It turns out that one of those primal, universal needs is the need to turn the focus away from ourselves and toward the needs of others. Self-care, vital as it is, will never fully satisfy because meaning and purpose come from feeling helpful, and connected to others.
Consider two opportunities this fall. On the “fillment” side, you are invited to conversations about grief as the holidays approach. The first is Thursday, September 11, at 6:00pm: a grief seminar with Dr. Jill A. Harrington at Brookwood Church, 580 Brookwood Point Place, Simpsonville (free). Join me at 4:45pm for dinner at Dino’s Family Restaurant, 775 Butler Rd., Mauldin and we’ll go together.
The next morning, Friday, September 12, at 9:30am, we’ll meet for coffee in the Media Center (across from the Fellowship Hall) to debrief and talk about “what helps and what doesn’t.” For either or both gatherings, I’d love to know if you’re coming! You can RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/j9cr42nr.
As you discern fulfilling ways to serve, know that our Stephen Ministers are now taking applications for the training of new Stephen Ministers in January.
The applications are at the Welcome Center, and questions can be addressed to Pat Booker-Christy, Wofford Green or me. One of our other Pastoral Care teams may also be a good fit. Let’s make sure you’re in the circle of care!
—Kyle Matthews, Minister of Pastoral Care