Dear ones, sadly this will be my last Mack’s Minute, as this coming Sunday is the end of my internship and my second year of seminary. It has been an incredible honor to learn and grow with you all. I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on my time at Broadway and to express my gratitude for the lessons I have learned and the support I have received. I have grown so much in my time here. As many of you remember, when I first started I was shy and anxious. It was difficult for me to come out of my shell. Luckily for me, you all are such a lively and loving group of humans. You welcomed me into your home, celebrated even my smallest victories, and for that I am eternally grateful. I remember the first time I led worship without Alka present. Going into it I was really nervous. I was worried I was going to mess something up. But afterwards, so many of you came up to me and validated my leadership and complimented me. That meant so much to me as I struggled with imposter syndrome, which made me doubt my ability to be a good student pastor. Your unyielding support for me helped me to push through those doubts. I will always look back on my time with the Broadway family with fondness and appreciation. I will miss you all terribly.
I want to also take this time to specifically thank Pastor Alka for her guidance, mentorship, and support. You all are so lucky to have a pastor who is truly dedicated to not only your specific congregation, but also the fight for social justice in general. I really loved getting to know her and her family. I have had so many wonderful laughs with Ronnie and Abe. I will also miss them terribly.
I wanted to leave you with this prayer from enfleshed that I find really meaningful.
God who pays attention
God who feels,
God who pays attention,
God who formed webs of life entangled,
Help me to notice today...
To notice my body - what it’s telling me it needs and wants.
To notice my neighbors - who they are and how they are.
To notice the creatures and creations around me - each as a valuable life of their own.
You know my limitations - what is enough or too much
To be aware of at once. To connect with. To feel. To hold.
Do not allow me to rush pass what needs or deserves my attention.
Neither let me be overwhelmed by trying to bear more than my share.
Just help me to be alive to what is,
alive to you within and around.
- Rev. M Barclay, enfleshed
