Still Joy to be Had

Last Friday, I was honored to participate in the intern graduation ceremony for Wellstar Health System’s CPE program here in Atlanta. To say it was a beautiful event would be an understatement. The time spent with so many remarkable educators, students, and their loved ones was wonderful and deeply restorative. Sitting in the space of learning once again brought back a flood of memories from my own internship and residency where, dare I say, the rigorous and necessary work of healing, growth, and change took place. From this treasure, I was able to share just a few of the transformative CPE lessons that I hold dear with the impressive class of aspiring educators and chaplains. 

Above all, the ceremony reminded me that despite the difficult times, when we look up and around, there is still joy to be had. While navigating the day, I could not help but reflect on the moments spent with so many of you during my short time in this role - from traveling to Madison, WI, and San Diego, CA, to meeting and fellowship with the North Central and Pacific COPs to the numerous virtual calls with others including the Curious Orienteers, the New England Clinical Educators, and, of course, our dedicated commissions and committees who help keep the ACPE wheels turning. These points of connection, no matter how brief, have brought inspiration to this work that I do not take lightly.

As we embark upon the final days of the year, my prayer is that we all have the sacred opportunity to shift our hearts and minds to that which offers rest, hope, joy, and renewal in this season. Friends, let us be intentional about pausing, breathing, and turning our eyes from the problems of the day to that which carries and sustains us through each day in order to be revived. 

May you be well. May you be whole. May you BE joy!

Happy Holidays, ACPE!

Photo credit: Sunghee Han