becoming

Let’s remember how Small Talks are necessary in our pastoral work, and what kind of theology are we living if we are to undermine them.

Art is involved here. Art means that we give ourselves to the encounter, to the occasion, not condescendingly and not grudgingly but creatively. We’re not trying to make something happen but to be part of what is happening — without being in control of it and without it being up to the dignity of our office.

Such art develops better when we are convinced that the Holy Spirit is “beforehand” in all our meetings and conversations. I don’t think it is stertching things to see Jesus — who embraced little children, which so surprised and scandalized his followers — also embracing our little conversations.

Eugene Peterson, The Gift — Reflections on Christian Ministry, p.115-6.