Make Haste to Be Kind

By The Rev. Jane Milliken Hague

I was taught the words of a final blessing many years ago, and it has become my

directional north star. I try to say it to myself and the congregation as often as I can.

The full blessing is:

Life is short.

And we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us.

So be swift to love.

Make haste to be kind.

And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. *

In Interim Training School, one of the most important learning segments is understanding

the emotional component of transitions. We are taught how the stress and

anxiety of an interim period can cause people to be less than kind. There is also an element of increased sensitivity

to perceived hurtfulness. It can become a perfect storm.

I have watched this happen in every transition position where I have served. Unfortunately, there can be outside

factors that magnify the anxiety, such as COVID, national politics, and economic insecurity.

I need to take care and watch my own anxiety as well. A few weeks ago, I was invited to a committee meeting.

When asked for my viewpoint, I started to offer my opinions that were less than kind. I spent the end of the

meeting apologizing.

At Saint Mary’s, we are doing well. Perhaps I am simply asking us to be mindful of what we say and the content

and tone of our emails. We care too much for each other to hurt our friends and colleagues with an offhand

negative comment or an angry tone. It is an anxious time, but we are united in our commitment to serve our

loving God. May we be the best example of a nurturing church to each other and to the world.

And remember to always:

Make haste to be kind.