A Time For Everything

Written by Cecelia Walker, Chair, ACPE Board of Directors

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens…

I never need a calendar to tell me that spring is near, my runny eyes and sinus pain, let me know. Although I experience significant discomfort, I look forward to spring every year. Watching stems and leafless bark that appear to be dead transition to blooming flowers and budding trees full of color and life restores my hope and refreshes my soul. I look forward to spring with anticipation and excitement.

So much has been going on personally, professionally, and culturally and our Association has not been spared. We have faced numerous challenges in recent years including changes in governance, a global pandemic, the resignation of key staff members, the extended work of our strategic plan, and an extensive Executive Director search. Often, it may have seemed like nothing of substance was going on – as though seeds had fallen to the ground and died. At times like this, I find Parker Palmer’s words helpful:

 “In the visible world of nature, a great truth is concealed in plain sight. Diminishment and beauty, darkness and light, death, and life are not opposites: they are held together in the paradox of the “hidden wholeness.” In a paradox, opposites do not negate each; they cohabit and co-create in mysterious unity at the heart of reality. Deeper still, they need each other for health, just as our well-being depends on breathing in and breathing out. Because we live in a culture that prefers the ease of either/or to the complexities of both/and, we have a hard time holding opposites together. We want light without darkness, the glories of spring and summer without the demands of autumn and winter, the pleasures of life without the pangs of death. When we so fear the dark that we demand light around the clock, the result is artificial light that is glaring and graceless and, beyond its borders, a darkness that grows ever more terrifying as we try to hold it off. The moment we say “yes” to both, the two conspire to make us healthy and whole. When we give ourselves over to organic reality — to the endless interplay of darkness and light, falling and rising — the lives we are given are as real and colorful, fruitful, and whole as this graced and graceful world and the seasonal cycles that make it so.”  

I am a hopeful person by nature, so even during our difficult seasons, I've had confidence that ACPE would emerge out of our struggles better. For many of us, the ED search and the strategic plan have been top of mind. They have been long processes. The Board and I are excited to welcome our new Executive Director. We feel sure that she will bring the necessary skills to capitalize upon the energy and work that has been invested to move the strategic plan forward in ways that are responsive to and align with the values, mission, and work of ACPE.

I appreciate the many emails from colleagues excited to welcome Lynnett. As a member of the Search Committee and the ACPE Board, I can honestly say that this decision was taken very seriously, and we believe that we have found the right person for this season. And yet, we all know that transition is not easy. For our Association to truly become the Gold Standard of spiritual care education and provision that we aspire to, she will need our prayers, insight, and support. If you have not had the opportunity, I invite you to drop her an email to introduce yourself and perhaps set up a time to have a conversation. As I have said numerous times since stepping into this role, we will rise or fall, succeed, or fail together. As we approach the 100th anniversary of CPE, I believe we are charged to serve this present age with excellence and distinction. Our past, present, and future members and stakeholders depend on us. With great anticipation, I am excited to be moving forward with each of you!

 

Blessings Always,

Cecelia Ann Walker

Chair, ACPE Board

Rev.Dr.Cecelia Walker is a Certified Educator at The Ingalls Center of Pastoral Ministries in the Baptist Health System. She is currently serving as Chair of the ACPE Board of Directors and can be reached at cecelia.walker@bhsala.com.