Service, Mission, and a Journey
My mind occasionally wanders (except during church or while my wife is speaking). This week at work, while experts discussed ways to decrease employee attrition levels in industry, my thoughts drifted to the recent images of distant galaxies captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. My wife sent me several photos and articles; the expanse of the universe never fails to amaze, delight, and perplex. The images just pull a person away from Earth.
Thinking back to articles about the telescope’s namesake, I recall that James Webb was an administrator and not a scientist. After some hesitation, he embraced and progressed the mission of NASA. He worked effectively with a dedicated team of experts. He expanded collaboration with university researchers. James Webb took action, hoping that new science and exploration would be good for the world and inspire people. It wasn’t all about him - it was about service to the mission and to the team’s journey.
Making my way back from deep space to the meeting, I heard a similar message. We are fulfilled in life (and at work) when we contribute, feel included, and find healthy ways to recharge. Again, that's collective service to the missions and journeys we share. Refreshed by my summer daze, I’ll bring into sharper focus the ways in which my actions serve others. I need these cues to snap back into action here on earth – to be reminded to do so in peace with strength and courage to love and serve with gladness and singleness of heart.
Robert Todd
Vestry