Each month, a member of the board shares a reflection on the Soul Matters monthly theme. The theme for September  is Invitation. This month’s post is offered by Janna Sundby.

Would you be willing to go white water rafting down the Colorado River?  Would you like to go to Goat Yoga? How about Horse Yoga?  Would you be willing to skydive with me tomorrow? Would you like to sleep outside tonight and watch the earth turn under the stars? How about seeing Garth Brooks? I’m taking an art class. Would you like to join me?  Would you be willing to do a road trip to see the full Solar Eclipse? Would you join me for a drive to Arkansas where we’ll mountain bike for five days?

These are all invitations extended to me by my college friend Anne, and it’s only a partial list. For over 40 years, she has provided endless invitations for me to join her, mostly doing something I’ve never done. I’ve rarely refused, even though some invitations generated great fear. One even left me with a broken leg. Yet, in hindsight I see they made my life much fuller.

Sometimes, after accepting an invitation for something unknown, I’ve noticed anxiety crept in, asking my inner self, what I had gotten myself into? Is this really a good idea? Is this worth the effort? What are you going to gain from this?   

What I’ve learned about an invitation to do something one is unfamiliar with, is that my first instinct, and most natural one, is to say “no, thank you” and remain in the state of “knowingness.”  Knowingness, in this case, is the familiar. It’s seeped in the comfort of not wanting change. When you have been encouraged or “pushed” to do something unknown, I know now for me, that I have become a fuller human being by accepting those invitations. I also found that being adventurous can be both exhausting and exhilarating.  

There are other types of invitations. A little less adventurous, but still filled with the unknown. I was reluctant to be on the UUCM Board, and reluctant to be the VP, and then President, but I accepted the invitation and found it keeps me involved at a special level. It shows a commitment to my values and has deepened my relationships with others who’ve agreed to similar commitments. It seems to me, when I look around, most all of you at UUCM, perhaps somewhat reluctantly, have accepted various invitations to volunteer at the church.  Both new and long-time members. Many have volunteered for years and decades. Your saying “Yes” to these invitations has helped our church and our great staff to operate a functional and thriving community. We invite each other and if there’s a fit, we accept the invitation and see where it leads.  

Today, I want to thank you for accepting those various and sometimes unexpected invitations, knowing there is naturally a bit of reluctance.  I appreciate all the time so many of you invest in UUCM, year after year, and it gives me a sense of pride being a part of this inviting and welcoming community.

In thinking about the gift of invitation, you can always decline, or accept with stipulations. I don’t recommend anyone accept every invitation. As practicing saying “No” is also a valuable exercise. But for me, in looking back over six decades, I’m very happy that I accepted so many of those invitations. They pushed me, drained me, exhilarated me, and brought me wisdom. Thanks to those of you who have extended invitations to me and to those who have accepted mine.  It’s much appreciated.

— Janna Sundby, UUCM Board of Trustees