This post was contributed by Relational Evangelist Waetie Kumahia.

 One of the wonderful opportunities that has come with this year of service is the opportunity for deep thinking and listening. As we have slowed down to examine the intricacies of how we build and sustain communities, we have been guided by our belief in the power of God in the midst of our relationships. Most recently, several of us attended an MIT conference sponsored by Trinity Wallstreet, and hosted by MIT Chaplain, Rev. Amy McCreath. The conference, Building an Ethical Economy, was organized by MIT's Technology and Culture Forum, and helped us look at both micro- and macro- examples of what this work can look like. I was particularly challenged by our charge to examine how our entire use of money reflects our true priorities. It was clear that many of us could imagine ways we could better align our spending with God's will for our communities. This has become especially clear in the midst of the crisis in Haiti. Everything we discussed during the conference has been great inspiration for me as I am planning my sermons for the congregations of St. Mary's in Dorchester and Christ Church in Needham this week.

And, as we prepare to enter the season of Lent, I am more committed to examining the things and patterns of consumption that have the potential to separate me from other people and my God. When I was making my New Year's resolutions, these ideas were not first and foremost in my thoughts. Instead, my work with young adults in Dorcherster, Bunker Hill Community College, and our church communities was pushing me to see the greater power of acts of service when we do them together. But these efforts are now reminding me of a book I read at the beginning of the year: The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical , by Shane Claiborne, a book that was a gift to all of the Life Together interns. At the time, reading this book seemed fantastic, like a romantic series of events in the life story of someone completely touched and directed by God. Turning back to this text now, having learned what I have learned, experienced what I have experienced, it all seems a little more within reach. Not because it seems any easier, but because I realize that it is only me (and my desires for comfort) which take me away from a life that looks more like a continuous fellowship with others.

So, what about you? Are you struggling on the path? Or if you have figured something out about how to move forward on this path? If so, please feel free to share what you have figured out! Thanks for Reading, WK