Beloved Pastors,
Easter has come, and we have declared that Jesus is risen and the tomb is empty. Hallelujah!
Thank you for faithfully tending to your congregations and reaching others with the Gospel of hope and salvation, especially during this time of social distancing.
I want you to seriously consider the following question: How is it with your own soul?
Now is not the time to stretch yourself too thin. Yes, there is work to do, but self-care is important too. Please breathe deeply and take a walk, if you can. Find moments of rest and resist the temptation to judge yourself or others harshly.
If you enjoy cooking, fishing, or binging movies at home, then do them. If flower gardens, bird feeders, poetry, or grilling feeds your soul, then do them. If sleep is something you are short on, do it. (I used to say that sleep is overrated, but I must confess that I was so wrong.)
Tomorrow will have its own challenges. But today is a good day to pause and “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Be encouraged,
Bishop Julius C. Trimble
Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church