Spiritual leader Jane Hoover Peiffer lamented the difficulty of staying present during her time in the hearing room.
She retired from her pastoral ministry. Jane Hoover Peiffer Jane turned to spiritual direction and leading retreats, a sacred task she considers the privilege of listening to the souls of fellow pilgrims a sacred calling that she often wishes she had more time for during her time as a pastor. Living with her husband, Darryl, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Jane enjoys tending to houseplants and outdoor plants, playing upright bass with a group of local “old-time” musicians, and participating in her beloved community of followers of Jesus, Shalom Mennonite Congregation.
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I would hate for that to happen.
I hate the idea of forgetting my curiosity.
The words spoken to me from the heart
Stumbling,
Catch me,
Inspires and tempts me
to be certain about something
I think I know,
And I leave the guard post
And then you start walking your own path.
I would hate for that to happen.
Oh God,
Stay with me and be interested in me.
Allow me to question and wonder.
Don’t let others assume that you know them.
Someone else’s soul
It’s as mysterious as the buzzing of my soul.
God help me to stay in the watchtower.
For more information about the Mennonite Spiritual Directors Network, visit mennosdn.org.
You can find links to the Spiritual Directors Network website and other congregational and pastoral resources on MC USA’s Church Vitality webpage. Mennonite
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