Message from our vice president of spiritual care and wellbeing

Change provides

transformation

Julie Jennings

Vice President of Spiritual Care and Wellbeing

There has been a lot of talk and preparation for the repositioning of Cedar Community’s Cedar Lake Campus, now underway. At the same time, the Christian season of Advent—a time when Christians prepare for the arrival of the Christ-child and the way of God that would be revealed through that child—has also occurred. And, we are still basking in the light and hope of a new year when we often prepare ourselves to take on new (or renewed) resolutions to support or change something that will improve our lives.

All of this has me re ecting on how we routinely “reposition” ourselves as we navigate life in this world. In faith traditions and spiritual practice, we usually talk of this more as “transformation.” The two terms are not dissimilar.

“Repositioning” literally means to shift or to put something (or someone) in a new or di erent position. In a business sense, repositioning often involves changing the marketing strategy or product o erings in order to appeal to a wider or di erent audience or market. “Transformation” denotes a change in appearance, form, nature, or character, often dramatic, and often for the sake of improvement.

Our campus repositioning e ort will certainly change the appearance of our buildings and grounds, and some of those changes will be dramatic indeed. But the physical changes are not the only transformative work happening at Cedar Community.

We continue to refocus and recommit to our mission, “To model Jesus’ love by creating life-enhancing relationships, services, and environments” in new and exciting ways. To this end we have recently welcomed new team members to support wellbeing and healing through art and music therapy, and expanded programming is coming to support physical health. At the same time, careful attention has been given to the thoughtful design of newly renovated spaces to support the wellbeing of body, mind, and spirit.

Repositioning. Renovations. Transformation. So much shifting and changing can be a little daunting…and messy. Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister of Erie and outspoken advocate of justice, peace, and equality, once said, “Any gesture we do often enough— a hug, a smile, a genu ection—has the power to transform us. We become what we do.”

May we be resolved to continue doing what we are doing. And may all we are doing help us become who and what we are needed to be to support and improve the life and lives within and around our community.