Mystery Olympics

I have this theory that every experience we have, every skill we learn, every relationship we nurture is somehow preparing us for some grand event on the horizon. That without knowing it, we are continually training for an upcoming mystery Olympic event — we just don’t know it. Perhaps I think this way because my interests, and even my jobs, have been so disparate. Among other things, I’ve been a professional designer, communications director, marketing agency owner and minister. As we all know, I’ve found my right and perfect place as Co-Senior Minister of the best, most loving, most dynamic spiritual center in the world. (I might be a little biased.) I love it here at NVC, and I’m not going anywhere. New Vision is my home.

But, then, the Mystery Olympics coach called! It turns out that one of the mysterious events I’ve been training for unknowingly is helping CSL ministers of small centers learn very quickly how to do virtual church, as it has become instantly and desperately needed. We’re pretty spoiled at NVC, with our professional cameras, beautiful lighting and masterful sound engineering. Most centers don’t have that, and the vast majority of CSL centers weren’t live streaming or broadcasting at all — until March hit. So, I’ve been called up to the big leagues (how’s that for a mixed metaphor?!), answering the call from Home Office to help out with some workshops and webinars on topics like Facebook Live, podcasting and digital graphics for CSL centers. The long held resistance to technology has been stripped away by necessity, and ministers are now ready to learn how to connect with their community in any way they can. I’m lucky enough to have picked up those skills along the way, and I am happy to help them get launched.

It’s fun to do work on the global level and to see how very different all of our CSL centers are. It’s really neat to get to know so many ministers of the Science of Mind. But through it all, one thing has become very clear for me. While I may occasionally answer that call to hop into a short-term new adventure, like a class  or webinar for Home Office, I belong at New Vision. The technology classes I’m teaching are candy. The work I continue to do at New Vision is wholesome, nourishing sustenance.  I need real food, soul food – the kind that comes from building intimate, ongoing relationships and deepening year after year. After the Olympics are over, athletes return to their normal lives. This strange situation in which we find ourselves will not last forever. When it ebbs, I will be forever thankful for the contrast I have been shown and forever aware that where I belong is at New Vision Center.