As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for yesterday was “Tell.”

This week I have started more intentionally “listening out” in my role as a mission developer at Messiah Lutheran Church. This has included meeting with the city’s Director of Development as well as its Mayor.

In listening to these leaders I heard them tell about their visions of the city’s future and growth. I heard them share and tell about their dreams for where the city of Ridgefield is growing, how it’s growing, and will grow. I listened to their hopes, questions about the future, as well as their joys of their vocations, roles, and community.

I heard them tell these things, and it was wonderful to hear as I listened. I also participated in telling. I told them a little bit about myself, who I am, and the role I am serving in this year. I also told them about the congregation which I am serving, and who is feeling called to be a part of their community. These conversations of listening and telling were rich with possibilities, imaginative ideas, and useful information and perspectives.

I view this as part of my work … listening and telling. Listening to people’s questions, wondering, stories. Listening to hear what God is up to and might be up to. But also telling of what God has done and continues to do, and telling about God’s work, presence, and promise for each and everyone. Come to think of it, that’s not just my job. That’s part of what it means to be a Christian and a Lutheran. That’s all part of our jobs in our own ways and lives.

How do you listen? How do you tell?