Confessions of a Slackard

Although it's been a while since I've posted a blog, despite the title of this one, I actually have not been slacking off.  I've just allowed myself to believe that I've been too busy to write.  Granted, I have been very busy over the last few weeks.  I'm still working on my commissioning papers for my ordination process.  I have to answer a lot of questions, write and present a sermon, write and present a Sunday school class, and other stuff.  It feels kinda like what I think a dissertation defense would feel like.  And I've been teaching Sunday school classes, and visiting folks in the hospital and at their houses, and working on this coming Sunday's services (because I have to film this one for my ordination process), blah, blah, blah, etc., etc., etc. 

I'm not complaining at all.  Nor am I trying to gain sympathy.  I'm just explaining to myself the reasons I haven't carved out time to write...or run much...or work out...or have quiet time to listen to God.  So right now this is my quiet time - on a rainy Friday afternoon while I'm in my office.  As I look out my windows I can see how beautiful the leaves are on the trees.  I think the bright orange ones are my favorites this year.  And there's a chill in the air today.  Today's the perfect rainy fall day where you just want to curl up on the couch with a big 'ol blanket ( or three) and read a huge book while drinking lots of hot coffee (or tea) and eating lots of soup.  I think nature is reminding me today to slow down, breathe, enjoy the journey, and be still and know that God is God.  Thanks nature.

So as I listen to God, I thank God for my family, my friends, my job, all the great people at the church and in my life,  the change of seasons, for music and all creative expressions, for love, for coffee, for children, for overcoming obstacles, for togetherness, for the french horn, for the unknown experiences yet to discover along the journey, for those already lived, for Junior Mints, for ministry dogs, for past kittys, and for peace of mind, soul, body, and spirit knowing that I am not here to solve all the world's problems.  I am here to walk with my fellow humans, remind us of our infinite worth and dignity, celebrate together, weep together, accept people for who they are and love, and try my darndest to imitate the radically loving character of my God.