Hey everyone! Winter finally decided to show up, didn’t it? The storm on Saturday night was quite a ride, so we moved our Sunday service online. While I wouldn’t want to go through the pandemic again, it did teach us a thing or two about streaming services. It’s moments like this weekend that make me thankful for technology and our ability to make it work.
Be sure to keep an eye on the weather this coming weekend too. If there’s a Winter Storm Warning, we’ll automatically close. To stay updated, just check our Facebook page or the Saturday eblast. Stay warm and safe!
The message on Sunday was part of our series, “Starting 2025 with Purpose and Unity.” It was Week 4: Empowering Personal Growth. Personal growth is essential for achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life, as it allows us to unlock our potential and make positive contributions to the world around us.
I invited you to see personal growth as a journey. When we set out on a journey, we usually have a roadmap. It’s important to know where our destination is, but how we get there is just as important.
On the journey, you’ll make pitstops along the way—some planned, others spontaneous. It’s in these moments that you learn something new, face a challenge, or experience personal growth.
Next are the Scenic Routes: Sometimes, you’ll take detours and explore scenic routes. These are the hobbies, interests, and passions you pursue that enrich your life. They might not always be directly related to your main goals, but they add depth and joy to your journey.
Along the way, you’ll meet fellow travelers – friends, mentors, and even strangers. They share their experiences, offer support, and provide valuable insights. These companions help you grow in unexpected ways.
Your journey will most likely encounter some challenges. Often, we might need to ask for help. Asking for help is another opportunity to grow.
A challenge that I encountered along the way was self-limiting beliefs. These beliefs often stem from past experiences, societal expectations, or internalized fears. Overcoming self-limiting beliefs is essential for personal growth and empowerment.
How did this show up for me? By keeping my excitement and passion about what I was discovering under wraps because of old beliefs that this stuff is woo-woo!
Take time to reflect. Acknowledge how far you have come, the lessons you’ve learned, and the people you’ve met. I am not the same person I was before January 23, 2022, when Rev. LeRoy graduated into his next experience.
Sharing with you on Sunday, I was acknowledging and celebrating my accomplishments. When we celebrate our progress, it reinforces positive behavior and motivates us to continue the journey.
While reaching your destination is important, remember that personal growth is a lifelong journey. There will always be new destinations to explore and new opportunities for growth.
In essence, personal growth is about enjoying the journey, learning from every experience, and being open to change and new possibilities.
If you missed the service, you could watch it here.
Join us next Sunday for the fifth message in our series, “Starting 2025 with Purpose and Unity,” titled “Fostering Compassion and Kindness.”
I’m deeply grateful for each of you taking the time to read this. You truly are special!
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
