An Ohio Visit

I have just returned from visiting my parents in Ohio. My sister and brothers joined me to celebrate our mother's birthday. Lots of memories were shared as we helped our parents make some important decisions. As my sister says, "Aging is not for the faint of heart." It made us each realize the importance of family when difficult times prevail.

Newsweek

Recently, Newsweek made some radical changes in its format and content that left me wondering if I had lost an old friend. However, during the last few days I have had a good opportunity to spend time reading some of the current issues and have discovered a most interesting new friend. I do miss the shorter articles on a variety of subjects, but realize that I do and can read that kind of journalism on-line. What Newsweek now offers are more in-depth stories with a variety of respected voices reflecting on the subjects. Since I still find a special connection with the written word when I can hold it, dog-ear the pages and carry it with me, I find this quite appealing. Although the July 13 issue had a special report on the life and death of Michael Jackson, the "What to Read Now" focus was also included. It is interesting to note that this was the cover story for subscribers and Jackson was on the cover for newsstand readers. All of this seems to reflect another phase in the evolution of print media.

According to the editorial comment, the list of fifty books recommended in this particular issue of Newsweek are ones that “open a window on the times we live in, whether they deal directly with the issues of today or simply help us see ourselves in new and surprising ways.” Each one has a short explanation as to why one should read it in 2009. Some I have read, some are familiar, but too many I don’t know. Also included in this issue are an interesting roundtable discussion of writing books by those who do so and an article by David Gates about the pleasures of revisiting our favorite books. A listing of the top 100 books of all time can be found at Newsweek.com. All of this has left me hungry to find a comfortable, quiet place and do some serious reading.

Random Thoughts

Reflecting on the week that was, some vivid pictures linger in my mind –

children singing with joy and being enthralled by storytellers,

families walking into the church together,

a confused governor trying to explain why he abandoned his post,

a woman politician saying a woman should not be considered for the county administrator position,

endless commentary about an entertainer’s passing and crowds gathering to mourn him,

a face of suffering and pain as another life was lost to cancer,

a hug from a child when he learned that he would be able to go to camp,

continuing images of Iranian protestors,

tears as we said goodbye to one minister and smiles as we welcomed another one,

dark storm clouds approaching just as VBS children were ready to enjoy a jump castle and other inflatables,

many hands taking down and putting away VBS for another year,

answering a phone to hear that my father’s surgery went well,

having a loving husband that is truly my helpmate.

As the children learned in VBS, I "experience and discover God everywhere."

P.S. – Four years ago today I began this blog and after 612 posts I am still finding new paths on the journey. Thanks for comments and challenges.

Moving Day

Today is moving day for SC United Methodist clergy. Some will be moving to new churches, but all ministers mark this day as significant and lift prayers for congregations and pastors that are experiencing change. We know the history and polity of itinerancy. We know the value of this system. We also know the emotional turmoil that this often creates for those involved. So, today with sadness we say farewell to Scarlett and with excitement welcome Jonathan.

The success of clergy moves is not one-sided. The willingness of a congregation to embrace the newness that will be part of the days to come plays a large role in building a healthy relationship. Clergy are given all sorts of advice as to how to handle moves (although not always followed), but are congregations prepared? Sometimes I wonder if the cone of silence that surrounds these moves for months prior to moving day causes a congregation to circle the wagons in fear of what might be coming over the horizon. Perhaps we need to look again at how we handle this moving process in SC.

Father's Day

Lengthy, eloquent tributes abound as daughters and sons send greetings to their fathers this weekend, but I am thinking more in a ‘top-10” format as I remember my dad.

1. I have never had to question Dad’s love of my mother or his
children.

2. With Mother, he has given us a sense of place, a home, that will always shape who we are.

3. Dad has taught us to appreciate the land on which we tread.

4. From his example, we learned at an early age what it means to be a good citizen and community servant.

5. As a faithful man of God, he has nurtured us in our discipleship.

6. If we tripped or fell on life’s path, he has always been there to catch us.

7. His love of reading has always been contagious.

8. Dad’s passion and care for animals has made us appreciate
all God’s creatures.

9. His ice cream gene has been successfully passed to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

10. Dad’s appreciation of the restoring value of a good nap has always been modeled for us.


I love you, Dad!

A Very Good Book

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle has been on my to-read list for months and after seemingly being intimidated by it’s length, I recently decided to tackle it as an audio book borrowed from the Socastee Library. During the following weeks, I looked forward to driving anywhere, because I knew Richard Poe’s voice would fill my car with the wonderful telling of David Wroblewski’s captivating novel. Set in rural Wisconsin, this family saga surrounds a unique breed of dogs and a mute young hero whose ability to communicate with both humans and animals is intriguing. Edgar’s tale takes the reader/listener to the extremes of human tragedy with the creative use of language and plot, the makings of a very good novel. I especially enjoyed the exploration of the heart and intelligence of this fictional breed of dogs that filled Edgar’s life with important companionship. Not the usual summer read, but one that I would recommend for others to consider including whenever they have time to savor it.

Woman of Character

When reading the current copy of Sasee, I was delighted to see a picture of Shannon Hussey and Courtney Howard and to read the attached article. Shannon is Sasee’s current “Woman of Character” as a result of Courtney’s nomination. It is great to know that a youth recognizes the importance of a mentoring relationship. Also, I know that Shannon takes this role seriously. I was pleased that their confirmation experience was noted as part of this. Congratulations to both of these fine young women.