Space for the Spirit

Dear Faith Family,

This past Wednesday was one of those days when the calendar seemed to fill every available space. From early morning until mid-afternoon I moved from meeting to meeting – planning worship music, discussing technology upgrades for our staff, exploring ways we might support justice work here in Wichita, checking in with staff, and gathering with a cohort of first-call pastors. It was a good day, full of meaningful work. But by the time the last meeting ended at 4:00 p.m., I could feel the familiar pull of being stretched in many directions.

After a final conversation with one of our youth about our upcoming performance at the talent show (Sunday, March 29 @ 6:30 PM) to support the summer mission trip, I got in the car and headed to First Presbyterian Church for their late-afternoon Taizé service.
Taizé is a simple, meditative form of worship that grew out of an ecumenical Christian monastic community in France. The chapel was dim and quiet, illuminated by candlelight. We sang short chants again and again, the music slowly building as different voices carried different parts. Praying, listening, and singing in that stillness was exactly what I needed to refocus and reset.

In the silence of the service, Pastor Emily invited us to look back over the day and notice where we had experienced God’s goodness. As I sat there, I found myself thinking about the meetings and the people I had the privilege of working alongside. What had felt like a busy, scattered day suddenly looked different in the quiet. I could see the blessings in it, and I felt grateful for the privilege of doing the work that I do.

One of this week’s Lenten devotional cards asks, “The gospel is full of stories of surprising good. What does this teach us about God?” For me, it is a reminder that God’s goodness is often already present—we simply need space to recognize it.

Many of us live days that move quickly from one responsibility to the next. Lent invites us to slow down, even briefly, and make room for stillness so we can notice the quiet ways God’s goodness shows up in our lives.

For some, that might mean joining the Taizé service next Wednesday afternoon. For others, it might be a walk in the cool of the morning, a few quiet minutes with scripture, or time spent in prayer. However it happens, I hope this season offers you an opportunity to pause, breathe, and create a little space for the Spirit.

See you in church!

Peace, Grace, and Love,

Pastor Kevin