July 2024

I offer one of Benjamin Franklin's many clever quotes for this July 4 holiday weekend: “When you are finished changing, you are finished.” As I reflect on Pathways Retreat, the word that comes to mind is change. Pathways is definitely not finished! 

This month we announce numerous programs that will begin and happen this Fall. Some provide ongoing group experiences and others a one-time practice. All of these amazing programs provide opportunity to rest, reflect and be renewed. 

August will see the ground clearing and breaking for a new pavilion. 
September we’ll share about a new network of providers that is in the works. 

There are so many changes happening at Pathways, that this seems like the right time to begin a regular “Ponderings” blog. Someone from Pathways’ staff or board will write a reflection on something related to Pathways at least once a month. I hope this regular communication helps give our prayer community, guests, and supporters a broader, deeper perspective of what’s happening at Pathways in the midst of much change.  

A corollary to Franklin’s observation might be “When you are open to changing, you are open.” This reminds me of a favorite prayer from J Philip Newell’s Sounds of the Eternal.​

In the gift of this new day,
in the gift of the present moment,
in the gift of time and eternity intertwined
let me be thankful
let me be attentive
let me be open to what has never happened before,
in the gift of this new day,
in the gift of the present moment,
in the gift of time and eternity intertwined. ​

May we at Pathways be thankful, attentive, and open.
​                               
Linda Lehman Thomas, Director
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