We just passed Pentecost. In the Christian church it marks 50 days after Easter. In the Jewish faith it is 50 days after Passover and also marks the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai. In the book of Acts, we find the disciples gathered in Jerusalem and in chapter 2 a mighty wind blows and flames alight on their heads. They are able to speak in other languages that are heard and understood by many from outside of Jerusalem.

Many people are amazed but others dismiss them as drunk. When the Holy Spirit moves in our world, I think we have the same sorts of reactions. My experience with the Holy Spirit is one of chaos. When everything starts swirling and it is hard to know up from down, I often need to pause and ask God for clarity and to see the path that has not existed before. Let us stand amidst the chaos and let the Holy Spirit move.

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We all have choices to make in life. We decide what to wear, what to eat, who to hang out with, and what we want to do with life among the hundreds of decisions we make each day. Sometimes the choices are based on what we prefer - like red or green grapes. Choices can be based on the weather. It's cold so perhaps I should wear a coat and maybe it is a better day to do something indoors. Yet other choices require us to look at what we value. We get offered a new job in a new city, what will the move mean for social life, proximity to family, pay and work environment. We need to spend time looking at what we value most to help us make good choices in life.

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A couple weeks ago on my podcast I used a phrase that I grew up with. Low man on the totem pole. I had a friend message me to say that could be an offensive phrase and that we use it in a way that is backwards to its actual meaning. I apologize if I offended anyone, that was never my intent. I have been reading and learning about the tradition of the totem pole with First Nations people of the Pacific NorthWest. The bottom figure is the most respected so yes, we have it backwards thanks to a 1940s comedian. This was a great reminder to be open to hearing from others and to grow and learn instead of getting upset that it was pointed out. May we all continue to grow and learn.

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