Dear Friends,

Margaret Wheatley in her book, “Turning To One Another” says this:

“Human conversation is the most ancient and easiest way to cultivate the conditions for change – personal change, community and organizational change, planetary change.  If we can sit together and talk about what’s important to us, we begin to come alive.”

I’m wondering where you find conversation in your daily walk?  Who do you take time to talk with?  To listen to? How has conversation helped cultivate conditions for change in your life?  And, importantly, what conversations have you had with God recently?  What has discernment meant for you?  How do you listen to God?

I’ve been a part of many conversations that made me feel alive.  These were times of sharing among new and old friends.  Times of opening up to one another and telling stories and listening to one another.  These conversations have happened in homes, in congregations, at local restaurants, at campgrounds, at parks…so many lovely experiences that have brought me joy.

I’ve been a part of difficult conversations, too-talking and listening that has been deeply meaningful but at times painful.  These conversations also remind me that I am alive because of the dedication to relationship that comes from people sitting together and sharing and listening even when it is difficult to do so.

There are many types of conversations that “cultivate the conditions for change”.  We just need to show up for them.  When we show up and participate in these conversations we are living our discipleship.  We are opening to God in our midst.  We are faithfully sharing and listening in transformative ways.  As you face change, may you see moments ripe for conversation.  May you listen to all voices – especially the ones others are shutting out.  May you be willing to change yourself and may you walk with others.  Blessings to you this week,

Shandra Newcom
President
Rocky Mountain Mission Center