Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad’s 81^st birthday.  Wow.  That’s pretty amazing when you think about how much the world has changed over the course of his life.  Last year we were busy working on a big party for him.  We made a video invitation to his “Red Solo Cup” party.  The party brought people from all around the country because, really, people wanted to celebrate his life WITH him instead of in honor of him.  Pretty amazing.  

Dear God, I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to spend so much time with my dad and that, generally, our relationship is healthy.  He has been inspirational to me in many ways, and has had much to do with me being the strong woman I have become.  Thank you for keeping him healthy and able to do the many things he enjoys.  Bless him this day and each one that comes for him, for us who share this world with him.  Amen.

Stuff

What is the value of the things which with we surround ourselves?  This computer, for example, is a broad window to the world where I can be a part of something “bigger” through spending time looking at a screen instead of looking out of a window or walking out of a door and experiencing something even “bigger.”  This week, as a result of losing a part of my school community to death, I begin to look more closely at the value of relationships.  Facebook is a unique way to be in relationships, but it cannot replace the act of physical contact or of an actual conversation—whether face to face or on the phone.  I spend too much time in front of this computer screen and I sometimes let it take time away from the one to one moments with the people with whom I share my life—my family, friends, classmates.  I rely on this medium to stay in touch with people all around the country, and there is definitely value in this, but when relationships are affected by the imbalance of screen and face time, I need to examine my motivation.  A death this week of a man whom I was just beginning to know has shaken me, reminded me, that time is not guaranteed, that relationships need tending, that “I love you” is never, ever said enough. 

Dear God, help me to pay better attention to the people with whom I walk through life.  I know that each day is a gift, but I sometimes forget to unwrap the package to fully see what is being presented.  I need you to motivate me to strip away the tissue paper that veils my view.  I know I am responsible, but I am weak.  Help me.  Amen.

Moving Forward Does Not Mean Moving On

After yesterday’s shocking news, I awoke today with an awareness that I still have to move forward, live life today and do what needed to be done.  That doesn’t mean I had to move on from shock, grief and sadness.  The depth of sorrow I was reading from classmates grounded me in community, even from the comfort of my home.  Recalling the tears and silence of yesterday, many wanted to ensure that they expressed love and appreciation to one another.  We were reminded that no one is promised today.  That the way we process grief is as individual as each of us.  Feeling relief knowing that Rich’s wife will be arriving from Japan soon eased some of my anxiety.  Learning of a special service to be held next week provides the opportunity to join together to just ‘be’ as a community experiencing loss.  

Dear Lord, this day was a gift where many learned how to articulate emotions, camaraderie, memories and community.  We found this at seminary.  We’ve made friends and have learned from one another, all because we were called to some sort of ministry and were led to this place to develop the skills needed to do the unique vocations designed for each of us.  The relationships we have developed are part of what we need to be effective leaders, pastors and teachers.  Thank you for giving us this place, this place where we are to become more than we were before walking through these holy doors.  Amen.