Short Stuff
Because this week is out of control
On my way home from an overdue clergy brunch, I remembered that today is Wednesday. Worse, it’s the Wednesday after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and I don’t think anyone is actually caught up again yet - if we ever were to begin with. I most certainly am not caught up, and until about an hour ago, I hadn’t even thought about what to write this week. So instead of a carefully developed post today, you get another edition of random thoughts in no particular order:
A class I’ll be taking in January is using business books to talk about building religious communities. (I’ll pause here while you read that again.) Imagine if CEOs had a shelf full of books written by theologians and practicing religious professionals about how to build good businesses.
The Oxford University Press has chosen “brain rot” as the phrase of the year - defined as the result of consuming endless social media, memes, and clips. The phrase was first coined in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau, who wrote, “Why level downward to our dullest perception always, and praise that as common sense?” Not that I don’t love my internet memes and videos, but I think we have a unique opportunity in congregations to elevate what we consider common sense.
If it seems people are extremely anxious and acting out in spiky, sharp, and prickly ways, you’re not imagining it. We need more breathing and less reacting. We also need more connecting with others, to help call us back to ourselves.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wish there were people to help with various issues and needs through consultations, coaching, and support - remember that there are tons of religious professionals who are consultants, and HONEST TO GOD they are not too busy to take your call. In fact, they are wondering why you aren’t calling. Now more than ever, call for help.
I typically don’t like much holiday stuff before about the 20th of December - it’s connected to a season of grief for me. That being said, I actually really loved seeing the decorations and hearing the holiday tunes when I was at brunch this morning. It brought me some comfort and joy (comfort and joy).
Tonight (December 4) I will be on Jeopardy! Tune in to your local station to watch. I will just say that yes, the camera takes ten IQ points away, and yes, my interview portion is funny, and yes, I am proud of my performance. If you are in the DMV, we’re meeting between 6:30-7 at Sudhouse DC on U Street to watch a 7:30pm airing. It’s a party!
Finally, remember that gift subscriptions to Hold My Chalice are available for the congregationally curious, and I do have some merch at Redbubble that would make great gifts too!
