Thoughts and Reflections from the Interim Executive Director

I have been in the role of Interim Executive Director now for almost two months.  During this time, I have been reminded how important Listening is in our work.  I have been reminded of how easy it is to listen but not hear what is being said.  

In the past few weeks, I have attempted to listen more than I have spoken; however, I am sure that there have been times when my speaking has prevented me from hearing what others would like for me to hear.  I have always been grateful for the grace offered to me in those times.

I write this article today to share with you a few things I have heard and learned from the conversations I have been privileged to have with members of our Association.  First, I have learned how much our members love this Association and believe in its core values and mission.  Second, I have learned that there is a need and desire in our Association for an opportunity to acknowledge and honor the grief and loss associated with the changes and transitions that have occurred in the past 5-7 years.  More importantly, I have heard that there has appeared, at times, to be a downplaying of the grief associated with the losses and changes. Third, I have learned that we all have two primary goals for the Association: to rebuild and strengthen our connections and relationships while at the same time continuing the work of being the PREMIER Association for spiritual care and education in the world.  

Much work has been done and is ongoing to help us craft the future we desire for our beloved Association.  Many of you have shared your thoughts, hopes, and visions with the Board, the Executive Committee, and me.  Many of you have participated in the focus groups and survey conducted by the Strategic Planning Group.  Some of you have conducted your own survey among the members.  All of what has been done is needed, and I believe will work together toward the good of the whole.  

I invite you to be patient during this time of transition, to look not only at what has been lost, but what has also been gained.  Let us set aside time to grieve the loss of treasured traditions (e.g., our regions and regional directors) that made ACPE who she is while we seek to move into a new and different place in our future.  We have been here before.  We know from our own work with professional and personal transitions how hard the work can be, and how messy the emotions can become. Still, we also know that if we are patient and trusting of the process, we will come through on the other side much stronger and better than before.  May it be so even now.