This past Friday, I was in a hotel with spotty wifi, traveling without my partner but with my two children. In looking at the schedule for the Cohort, I knew the first meeting fell on a travel day, and I did the best I could to arrange a place where I could be “present.” Instead, the internet kept dropping. I felt self-conscious of not having my video on. I moved to the lobby, where the wifi was stronger, but the hustle of a continental breakfast made up the background. I felt my inability to “connect” wavered toward disrespect – which is a terrible first impression!
And yet, I still connected with Rahn’s story of being in Israel – seeing a picture of George Floyd on the Separation Wall and connecting deeply with those who have also experienced violence, trauma, and grief.
I connected with Jesse, who spoke of finding a Jesus who is worth my life. The world has a lot of false messiahs, and I feel I often need to check which one of those Jesus’ I am actually pointing toward.
But mostly, I was happy to get this thing started. I have been following the work of Global Immersion since their inception: joining webinars, listening to podcasts, and reading newsletters and books. It feels about time that I join the fun – and the next weeks, I’ll be in a better place to be present.
3 comments
Thank you for all that you did to connect with us, I can relate to Trang to have online conversations with distractions! I live only a few miles from George Floyd Square, and the power and energy and meaning of the place has meant a lot to me, I go there to grieve. I also have been following Global Immersion for a number of years and I’m excited to participate in this amazing experience with you and others!
What a beautiful picture of reality I noticed as you shared about your experience last week… those things swirling within and around us all that distract, stir anxiety, and pull us from the center. I appreciate the honesty you share here and hope that I can come with honest naming of all the stuff I carry internal and external. So grateful to be a part of this journey with you.
I appreciate your reflections here, E. And Steve’s gracious contribution. I long for the moments of slow, uninterrupted formation and friendship…and…recognize that so much (good, important, unnecessary, and unhealthy) seeks to distract me from being present. Your experience last Friday of doing everything in your power to find a space of quiet and focus is a profound illustration and invitation for all of us.