It happened again.
Just as I was about to take vacation, someone died. I realize that sentence needs to completely be in the context of me being a pastor. Each time a parishioner dies, it matters. It's sad and hopeful and beautiful - especially as people come together and memories are shared. Laughter and tears....blah, blah, blah. Y' all who read this, get it, right?
The funeral home director even commented that it seemed that most of the funerals I've had are either just as I'm coming or going from vacation - and it's not as if I take overly large amount of vacation.
I'm pretty good at having back up/on-call people. But, somehow it always works out that the funeral is just as I'm leaving or returning. Weeks that I have looked forward to because I wouldn't have to write a sermon, end up meaning I just have one fewer sermon to write.
This time, my vacation was to be only 4 days - and at my parents' home. I have discovered that I tend to digress at my parents' home, so I do try to limit my days there. But, I do like being there and was looking forward to some nice time with them. Instead, what was going to be vacation turned into a weekend, really.
I had a lovely vacation in April. And, I hope to take another one in October or November (I have a possible plan for that one). I had a "continuing ed road trip" at the beginning of July - which did get me out of the day-in/day-out of parish ministry - but was really looking at ministry.
The thing is, right now I just don't know what to do w/ the time I have. I need to take some days off that don't include Sundays. I need to look at when I'll take my two remaining Sundays. Should I save one for around Christmas? Or, should I see about using it earlier?
I need to calendar. And, I'd love to have a good idea of what vacation I'm looking forward to. I don't want to just take a vacation to sit around my house and watch tv ('though maybe a day of vacation could be that).
I would love ideas, propositions, dreams, etc.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Refreshing Vegetables
Three more dishes. All quite refreshing. Which, is good. 'Cause it's nearing the end of July and refreshing is always appreciated in the hot, sticky, summer months. It's not as if these dishes were cold - two required cooking and were best served hot - they just were refreshing.
This is Simplest Summer Squash (pg 114). I love squash - zucchini, yellow squash, etc. And this was a great dish. I used some leftovers in an omelet and it was fantastic. What doesn't go well in an omelet, right? Except, this was exceptional.
There's a great greenhouse in Milwaukee called Growing Power.
I've purchased from them before....but this dish: Garlicky Pea Shoot Tangle (pg 79) required pea shoots - the only ones available were from Growing Power. Which, I gladly purchased. This was a lovely dish - best used as a side. Easy, easy, easy. And tasty.
Shaved Fennel with Red Onion, Olive Oil, and Oranges (pg 62)...I think they wanted lots of "o's". This seemed a bit like that almost coleslaw-ey-ish salad that includes oranges. But, it was better. I didn't "shave" correctly because I don't have the right tools. But, it still turned out very well.
This is Simplest Summer Squash (pg 114). I love squash - zucchini, yellow squash, etc. And this was a great dish. I used some leftovers in an omelet and it was fantastic. What doesn't go well in an omelet, right? Except, this was exceptional.
There's a great greenhouse in Milwaukee called Growing Power.
I've purchased from them before....but this dish: Garlicky Pea Shoot Tangle (pg 79) required pea shoots - the only ones available were from Growing Power. Which, I gladly purchased. This was a lovely dish - best used as a side. Easy, easy, easy. And tasty.
Shaved Fennel with Red Onion, Olive Oil, and Oranges (pg 62)...I think they wanted lots of "o's". This seemed a bit like that almost coleslaw-ey-ish salad that includes oranges. But, it was better. I didn't "shave" correctly because I don't have the right tools. But, it still turned out very well.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Connections
"She is really funny."
That's what m'dear friend K said last night on the phone. She was referencing this post.
It's true, God's a working in strange and funny ways, I know it.
It's not only work-related either.
As I talked with K last night I again (for about the millionth time) marveled at how she and I have become friends. She knew my parents before she knew me (there could be some joke in here about how she still decided to get to know me - but I don't think my parents are scary like that). She (and her husband....whose father I'd met before I met either of them) moved here shortly after I did. Our paths have seemingly crossed at other times, but in 2005 we all came here - brought by work - not knowing many, if any, others. And, we clicked.
We have so many of the same interests, similar opinions (but not too many) and have been able to trust each other pretty immediately.
I'm not packing any bags yet (and I don't believe they are either), but K is such a blessing in my life now, and I know in the years to come. A blessing that I'm positive will continue even once we are each in different locations and roles.
That God - always up to something...
That's what m'dear friend K said last night on the phone. She was referencing this post.
It's true, God's a working in strange and funny ways, I know it.
It's not only work-related either.
As I talked with K last night I again (for about the millionth time) marveled at how she and I have become friends. She knew my parents before she knew me (there could be some joke in here about how she still decided to get to know me - but I don't think my parents are scary like that). She (and her husband....whose father I'd met before I met either of them) moved here shortly after I did. Our paths have seemingly crossed at other times, but in 2005 we all came here - brought by work - not knowing many, if any, others. And, we clicked.
We have so many of the same interests, similar opinions (but not too many) and have been able to trust each other pretty immediately.
I'm not packing any bags yet (and I don't believe they are either), but K is such a blessing in my life now, and I know in the years to come. A blessing that I'm positive will continue even once we are each in different locations and roles.
That God - always up to something...
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Problem Solving and Partnership
Monday and Tuesday of this week were not good days. I think for the first time in the presence of my secretary, I had one of those almost-burst-into-tears-because-it's-all-too-much moments. I just could not handle the chaos. The offices were in shambles because of air conditioning being put in. That's a good thing, right? Only, for some reason neither the secretary nor myself thought (or were made aware) that it would mean two full days of drilling, constant a/c tech presence and needing to not really use our offices.
There are other things that add to the chaos. All fine/part of life/part of work/privileges/opportunities. But, it was being displaced that put me over the edge.
On Monday I had coffee with a non-pastor who works in the church who wondered how I, with limited staff, manage. It made me realize how much it is the leaders of the church - non-paid, members - people who just love the church - who I count on and who are my partners in work.
This past week I filled in the secretary (who is so much more than a secretary...she really is my partner in ministry) and the council president (another partner in ministry) on a non-issue that, if things go the wrong way, could become an issue. Individually they listened, they asked questions, they offered input and suggestions, and, of their own accord, promised to be supportive and allies should it become an issue.
These two will also be those who hold down the fort next week when I'm gone.
Who am I kidding? These two hold down the fort when I'm here!
I might be a solo pastor. But, I'm not solo in ministry. And, for that, I am thankful.
Sometimes it means that things happen that I'm not completely aware of. Which is great, really - because it means I'm not the only one making things happen. But, the other positive is that it also means that I do not hold most of the trials and tribulations - the joys and vision and privilege - alone.
There are other things that add to the chaos. All fine/part of life/part of work/privileges/opportunities. But, it was being displaced that put me over the edge.
On Monday I had coffee with a non-pastor who works in the church who wondered how I, with limited staff, manage. It made me realize how much it is the leaders of the church - non-paid, members - people who just love the church - who I count on and who are my partners in work.
This past week I filled in the secretary (who is so much more than a secretary...she really is my partner in ministry) and the council president (another partner in ministry) on a non-issue that, if things go the wrong way, could become an issue. Individually they listened, they asked questions, they offered input and suggestions, and, of their own accord, promised to be supportive and allies should it become an issue.
These two will also be those who hold down the fort next week when I'm gone.
Who am I kidding? These two hold down the fort when I'm here!
I might be a solo pastor. But, I'm not solo in ministry. And, for that, I am thankful.
Sometimes it means that things happen that I'm not completely aware of. Which is great, really - because it means I'm not the only one making things happen. But, the other positive is that it also means that I do not hold most of the trials and tribulations - the joys and vision and privilege - alone.
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