Grandma Jean

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged” (Proverbs 17:6) Recently, Ron and I enjoyed having our four-year-old grandson, Jack, visit us for a few days. As one might imagine, we had a great time creating good memories for the future. Of course, Ron’s photo blog records much of what we did. However, this picture is one of my favorites and a reminder of my responsibility to be a spiritual guide to Jack, our other grandchildren and all children.

In Psalms 71:17-18 we read:
“O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds,
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I proclaim your might
To all the generations to come”

This is not only our challenge as grandparents, but our sacred responsibility.

A Visit With Norm

What a nice discovery to find that Norm Jones has a blog! Norm was our first Duke Intern five years ago. As with each one since then, we like staying in contact and learning about their ministries. His blog gives us insight into what it is like to be the pastor of a four-point charge and to where his heart is. It is good to know that we have been a part of his journey.

Breaking News!

Few things mandate two blogs in one day, but I just discovered that my favorite political cartoonist, Robert Ariail, is leaving THE STATE. Apparently, he and Brad Warthen, the editorial page editor, are casualities of the economic woes of newspapers. Although, he will still be nationally syndicated, I will miss his insight of local politics. Read Brad Warthen's words about Ariail. This is certainly one change that is difficult to accept. I will be adding his new website to my favorites and suggest that you do, also.

Faithful Parents

In a recent effort to eliminate some of the clutter in my office, I have been reviewing, reorganizing and recycling (throwing or giving away) books, files and projects. Of course, it is hard to part with some things, so it is a slow process that involves a lot of remembering of past days. I have discovered a number of family ministry items that seem to be timeless. Finding ways to remind parents of their contribution to their child's faith development has always been a personal commitment of mine. The following talking points were in a presentation that I did once upon a time about what every child needs to grow in their faith:

-Parents who are comfortable with their faith, ones who read the Bible, pray with their children and use God language.

-Parents who help children make connections between faith and life.

-Participate as a family in the life of a congregation and honor sabbath.

-Have opportunities for faith-building experiences with other adults.

-Have time and space to ask questions about the mystery of God.

-Have opportunities to express themselves in music, art and word.

-Experience wonders of God's Creation.

-Have books to read and read to them.

-Know time, patience and love from those who surround them.

When these needs are met, a legacy of faith is passed on to the next generation. I know this because I had faithful parents.

St Patrick's Day

St, Patrick’s Day evokes memories not only of my Irish ancestry, but also of a wonderful visit to Ireland in 1997. While reminiscing about this trip, I discovered the photo of me wandering through the cemetery at the Rock of Cashel that makes another reflective banner for this blog. Just as my great-grandparents traveled the narrow roads bordered by stone walls and green pastures to find their way to a new life, we, too, were on a journey of discovery. Fascinated by the culture, we explored cities to countryside to learn about a people who have contributed so much to the building of America. The deep and rich perspective of Celtic spirituality has become part of our listening to God as a result this experience and we continue to find God’s grace in the everyday images of humanity and creation expressed in Celtic writings.

This well-known prayer, modeled on the Breastplate hymn of St. Patrick, celebrates Christ in all things.

The Three who are over me,
The Three who are below me,
The Three who are above me here,
The Three who are above me yonder;
The Three who are in earth,
The Three who are in air,
The Three who are in heaven,
The Three who are in the great pouring sea

Lots to think about and celebrate today!

Walking thru Lent

Currently, I am meeting regularly with a person who is in a discernment process before seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church as a deacon. I am not exactly sure how my involvement with this came to be, but what a good experience it is for walking the Lenten path of the Cross. As this is not a set process, we rely on the Spirit to work in and through us. Gary decided to read the Book of Acts during Lent and I was prodded to do this, also. However, we agreed to do this in the manner of lectio divina as outlined in a previous blog. Reading the familiar words in this way is certainly opening our hearts and minds to new possibilities and understandings about what it means to be a deacon. In our world of despair, there is an enormous need for those who know the heart of God to reach out to care, to love, to heal and to offer hope. The promise of the Holy Spirit gives us assurance of being the faithful witnesses that we are called to be. In Acts the repeated links between prayer and the Holy Spirit known in a community of believers, help us accept the challenge of surrendering our lives to the ministry of the diaconate.

This holy season of Lent is passing quickly. I entered into it with dread as I was afraid to intentionally face some of things which seemed to be polluting my soul. Helping Gary find his way has forced me to listen to God and given me a new depth of understanding of my own call to ministry. I find myself at a place that will allow me to more fully enter into the mystery of the passion of Jesus and accept the way of the cross in my own life as Easter approaches. Thanks be to God!