Special God Moments

In spite of all the stress and strain of ministry, motherhood, family, approaching holy season, world politics, economical 'cliffs' and other 21st century perils... I must say that I have been blessed my amazing moments of love, hope and joy.  Just wanted to share my fav God-moments from Thanksgiving to today.

• Thanksgiving celebration with my husband's family exceeded my hopes and expectations because was filled with precious memories and wonderful moments with family.  And the photos from the day do great justice of the warmth and love of our afternoon together!  yay!
• little notes and gifts have appeared on my office desk or in my home mail box from folks who love  me and wanted to offer their loving support and kindness.  You know, it is a joy to be kind to others... but what a gift when that kindness boomerangs back to you!  Wow, that is cool.
• enjoying a wonderful Christmas lunch with our church staff on Wednesday this week.. and catching up on non-ministry stuff, but each other's lives was a gift!
• meeting the new UM church start pastor along with my colleagues on Tuesday and hearing the excitement and passion for the un-churched did my heart and my ministry a world of good!
• listening to a good friend report that everything we asked for in prayer about her husband's surgery has come to fruition and how blessed they feel.
• snuggling with my girl in the morning darkness and listening to her share her wonder and fantasies about what Santa might bring!  
• enjoying a nice glass of wine with my husband (without kid, dog, school work, or housework) and planning our next date night adventure
• phone call from my mother in law today who said, "I got the pictures from Thanksgiving.  Wow- they are wonderful.  (then she cried) and you know the one with you and me... well, looking at your face I realized how much you love me.  Michelle, thank you for loving me."

See, no matter what else is going wrong in the world.. how stressed I am about my father;s care at the rehab facility or what outcome will happen, or if our church budget will end the year in the black, or if Duke basketball will continue it's winning streak or if broken marriages in our congregation will be healed or if the stock market will plunder or if whatever...  God is still moving among us.. bring life, hope, joy and peace!  

And isn't that what Advent celebrates?!: the coming of God INTO this broken, messed up world in which we live.  

Something New

After a look in the mirror this morning, I noticed something different about myself.  And no, it does not involve wrinkles or laugh lines or hair color.

The something new I carry with me is almost invisible yet, is noticeable too.  During a laugh this morning with my office mates, I inquired if they saw something different about me today.  After a good look up and down my frame and a sheepish concern to not mention the ten pounds I have re-gained since my mini-marathon training finished... they were left puzzled.

Yet, the change is there.  Now I bear the role of a care giver for an aging, disabled parent.  I can see the change if no one else does.  And I am trying to sort out how I want to be in this role while at the same time not desiring this role at all.

"It's weird", has been my comment to friends.  And I have not yet gotten much further than that.

But, I am assuming that like you do not become a capable spouse or loving parent in a day... this too is a role a person 'grows' into.  I do not have to figure everything on the first day of this 'job', but perhaps I can try different things and discover how it is that God calls me to fulfill this new role and responsibility.

Already mistakes have been made by me. And there will be more.

Which is why I am ever more grateful that God's mercy and grace go before me... in all things including care-giving.

Thanksgiving- A Month Long

I am ever so grateful that the calendar and the church year rotate in such a way that Advent is consumed within the month of December.  It leaves all of November to embrace harvest and thanksgiving!

And I need a month, at least, to meditate on my gratitude.  Here is a start at how I begin the month with gratefulness of heart, soul, and mind.  I am grateful for...

• the mind and heart which I was given.
• to share life's joys and sorrows with my best friend Eric, Diana and our God-Three-in-One!
• live in a nation that has weird and uncomfortable/challenging elections and then the next day go about our business of living together.
• for the power of prayer
• for All Saints Day and the reminder of our loved ones who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labor.
• for leftover Halloween candy
• for my dog who sleeps at my feet
• for hot tea in the morning
• a working dishwasher
• that as messy as my life is... it could be much, much worse.