I have had some recent interactions where it has been a challenge to feel fully present. This experience has led me to wonder what opportunities, to listen with an open heart, have I missed? What attempts at gaining my attention have I missed because of my desire to keep things moving? The central question is how far will we go to show love to others?

Rev. Joyce Palmer serves as the Assistant Minister at UU Church of Rockford. She has served as the Assistant Minister at Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, WI. She also served as Director of Membership and Lay Ministry at All Souls Church UU, in Washington, DC. Joyce has worked in child welfare as a supervisor and parent educator. Joyce and her family moved back to Rockford, IL to live closer to family. She enjoys reading, teaching fitness classes, spending time with her husband Tim and sons Dorien and Antonio, and walking her terrier mix, Rosey.