Wholeness Wheel - Social/Interpersonal Reflections

At our house, back-to-school time also means back-to-marching-band-time.  As the parent of a high school musicians and as a former flute-playing-marcher myself, this is one of my favorite times of the year.  However, last year this time took on new meaning for me.

Several years ago, after the death of my husband, I worked with a grief counselor.  I traversed through the many stages of grief in those visits.  After experiencing the effects of my husband’s illness, I knew that my health needed to be a priority not only for my children’s sake and for the sake of my ministry as a pastor, but for my own wellbeing too.  Journaling.  Prayer.  Exercise.  Spiritual direction. Healthy eating. Time with my family. All of these continue to be important to my life.

However, common to many people in ministry, the thing that I continued to lack was developing social relationships outside of the congregation.  I’m thankful to have friends from my years before ordained ministry and friends from seminary that care about me and my family, as well as clergy friends locally.  Yet, I remained convinced that there were other friends to be made in this community that still seemed new to me.

Admittedly with a bit of fear of the unknown, I accepted the invitation to help distribute uniforms to the marchers prior to Friday night band performances at football games.  What a hoot!  During those fall months, I came away more energized by that simple task and the fun shared with the other parents as we cheered for our kids from the sidelines and the stands than I had experienced in a very long time. 

Since that time my love of this community and of these new friends has continued to grow – even beyond the marching band season.  I give thanks that my wellbeing as a child of God has improved through this gift of community.

Rev. Laura Koppenhoefer

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