a musing we will go.
‘Right! What are the opportunities?’
I heard an encouraging tale the other day. Another parish was vacant when the COVID shooting match came to town. A parish without a priest can sometimes become despondent and sad around the edges. But not the one I heard about.
A few of the key players sat down with a refreshing beverage (and possibly some chocolate caramel slice) and began to unpack the new situation.
This is what we are confronted with. There was a big silence until… one of the folk rubbed their hands together and with unrequited enthusiasm exclaimed.
“Right! So what are the opportunities?”
And then the meeting took on a completely different timbre. Ideas flowed, initiatives were … um … initiated and people came away with excitement in their belly and a list of things to do. There is much to be inspired by with this little tale.
First it was exciting, but not surprising, that the spark came not from a priest but from the pew sitters. This is very much the case here in this parish. Far from leading the wave, I am usually just swept up along with it.
Secondly was the catch cry ‘Right! What are the opportunities?’ In the face of a bleak situation this simple phrase turned everything upside down. A fresh vision for the future winked alluringly.
This phrase is not limited to parishes trying to navigate their way through a quagmire of COVID. It can and should be applied to every conundrum that we find ourselves in. Personally, as a community and as a planet of people.
I offer it for you. Give it a go next time you find yourself boggled by the unexpected. Boil the kettle, inhale slowly, take your time and ask yourself… ‘Right what are the opportunities?’