The Holy Longing

I try to spend one day a week 'away' -- at a retreat center -- to pray, read, and respond to the Holy Longing within me. This is also the title of a book by Ronald Rolheiser. In the chapter on the Paschal Mystery there is much similarity between the work of William Bridges Transitions and the Triduum and Great Fifty Days. It seems sabbath gives one the space to rediscover and live with those deaths in our lives which have not been fully mourned, and room to live into the new spirit that God gives one during life's journey.

On another subject...last weekend I experienced the gift of hospitality from St. Richard Episcopal Church in Chicago. During the 2 day Avon Walk for Breast Cancer there were several rest stops along the way (one between every 1.5 to 3 miles). Of all the churches we passed (and there were several!), only one offered it's hospitality to the thousands of men and women who walked by -- St. Richard's. Their Third Sunday String Band played, which encouraged us and lightened our feet; they invited us to write on a list the names of those for whom we wished them to pray; there were stickers we could complete and wear: "My hero is ---"; and their smiling faces and verbal encouragement were a great testimony to the value of welcoming the stranger. It would be wonderful if churches sought out opportunities like the Avon Walk -- or something else -- that would share the Peace of Christ with those who are strangers. It's good to get outside our doors and let the people of God know we love them!

Sabbath time -- a time to reflect

Thanks to the generosity of the leadership of the Diocese of Western Michigan, all full time employees on our staff are entitled to sabbatical. Mine began on May 1, and this is the first reflection on the past month.
If it has had a theme, I would say: Reflection, Reconnect, and Recharge.
Reflection

• At least once a week I have spent time at a retreat center pondering the scriptures and reflecting on the life of Jesus. I am blessed to have Jesus, whose life was a challenge, to walk my journey with me. I find in him a person whose life shares many experiences with mine -- through the pain, challenge, joy and sorrow of his life. When I see his reactions to things, I can learn from them, and increase my ability to be loving in the way he is loving.
• In mid-May, I attended an "Emotional Intelligence and Human Relations" workshop held at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, in Gettysburg, PA. I was intrigued to participate because Roy Oswald, a now retired Alban Institute Consultant, has always done good work and opened my mind up to new ideas, and encouraged my ministry. Several folks participated in a '360' evaluation of my emotional health, and the results were shared with us at the workshop. I was heartened to learn that the areas of growth were not shocking, and the areas of strength were not surprising. What I probably learned most effectively, is that for me to act as an emotionally intelligent person, having weekly time to reflect and integrate the world around me will make me an even more emotionally healthy human being...it is the 'being' that can often get neglected in the work of the church. Ironic, isn't it?

Reconnect

• As an empty nesting mom, it is always a treat to reconnect with my college age son. His choice to spend his first summer away from the family has been a good one for him, and during May I was free to be available to him as often as he requested.
• Back to Baltimore - the friends I have there are almost like family, and it was good to be with them. I even saw an Orioles game! There is likely to be one more opportunity for a trip east before the month of June is out.
• It is a blessing that my mother (now 77 yrs old) desires to visit. She and I drove back from Baltimore together and are enjoying a good visit.

Recharge

• Reading some of the books in preparation for the Seabury D. Min. class in June, and catching up on a year's worth of Congregations magazines is beginning to stir new energy for the future of the Church.
• Spending time outside the institution is good, and helps me ask the question: Why do I do this? Do I still have this passion for transformational ministry? It is early yet, but I believe the passion is still there. How it will continue to be forthcoming, only God knows!