“A fish can’t whistle, and neither can I.” This silly quote illustrates an important concept: recognize and accept your limitations, which sometimes are strengths. I came across this quote recently in the book The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. In this delightful and insightful read, Hoff explains the teachings of Taoism through the character of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.
The Tao of Pooh had been on my to-read list for more than 20 years, but reading it now was timely and illuminating. The concept of playing to one’s strengths aligns with recent discussions of the Board and congregation about the exciting current realities of our church. So often, we think about What Could Be instead of What Is. For us as individuals, What Could Be might mean more money, a new relationship, or more time or energy. For our church, What Could Be has meant dreams of more members, more money, and more activity. What Is means 109 wonderful members, a stable budget and pledge levels, and a handful of activities inside and outside our church that reflect the authentic thinking minds, loving hearts, and serving hands of UUCP members and friends living our mission and our covenant.
The message of the Small Congregations webinar series has been that churches under 150 members thrive when they focus on doing one or two things really well. Our mission reflects the things that we at UUCP value and do best: Celebrate Diversity, Strive for Justice, and Inspire Love. UUCP’s strengths and mission are on full, glorious display in our wholehearted partnership with JUST Pensacola and in our care and support of our members through life’s journeys.
According to Hoff in The Tao of Pooh, “The Way of Self-Reliance starts with recognizing who we are, what we’ve got to work with, and what works best for us.” Through the two WHY workshops in October and more conversations to come in December and beyond, the Board and Rev. Alice have been guiding us to reconnect with our values and why we are here and, by extension, to identify what works best for us.
“Do you want to be really happy?”
Hoff asks. “You can begin by being appreciative of who you are and what you’ve got.” May it be so with us.
Until next time,
Lauren Anzaldo
Board President