As our students leave campus (or prepare to leave campus), and we begin to seek out a slower, more intentional rhythm of life for our summer months, I am reminded of this excellent call to that which is most essential:

It is not enough for the priests and ministers of the future to be moral people, well-trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. All of that is very valuable and important, but it is not the heart of Christian leadership. The central question is, Are the leaders of the future truly men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God’s presence, to listen to God’s voice, to look at God’s beauty, to touch God’s incarnate Word, and to taste fully God’s infinite goodness?

~ Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus

For far too many of us (myself included), this past year has often been lived based according to the tyranny of the urgent — and at a pace that is impractical, not to mention ungodly.

The summer months can afford us the opportunity to do some important, and oft neglected, self-evaluation and soul care.

It can be a chance for us to consider where we’ve been (personally and spiritually, not just professionally or ministerially), and consider where we want to go from here, as well as how we might go about getting there.

Nouwen’s call to priests and ministers of the future, is a call to us — not just in how we go about our daily work and walk with God; but in how we model this for the students we serve — the next priests and ministers of the future.

So I wonder:

• What stands out to you most in Nouwen’s call above?
• What is most inspiring and encouraging?
• What is most convicting?

As I enter into the summer season of my ministry, I pray that I will find myself listening and looking, tasting and touching, seeking and dwelling — with ever-increasing measures — the God who has called me to this work.

And I will be praying the same thing for you.