May 17: Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Easter

Eastertide has been a whirlwind for me, for us.  I’ve been to Northern Ireland to help lead the Mastery Foundation’s School for Leadership.  This is a volunteer operation, everyone pays to go work with these gifted and dedicated people.  I came back inspired and exhausted.  Then we went on “vacation” for five days.  We drove, walked, hiked, and took a bus that broke down on the highway in New Jersey.  It was lovely, but I came back more exhausted!  I got rested over the weekend, then we had two days at home before getting back in the car for meetings down in Long Island.  Now, some people love driving and love cities; I’m not one of them.  I’m ready for a few days in one place.  

I’m getting my wish: this weekend we lead the Mary Magdalene retreat at Holy Cross Monastery.  We get two days off, then I’m back to lead “Making A Difference,” another volunteer effort for the Mastery Foundation.   Then a week off before leading the Forgiveness retreat for AA and AlAnon women in Connecticut.

It all seemed like a good idea at the time . . . 

And I believe it was, and is.  Our lives move in ebbs and flows.  This is a season of big flow for me.  For others it’s a quiet time.  I know many people who are grieving loved ones right now; their lives are following another rhythm.  At each moment I need to remind myself, “This too shall pass.”  The exhaustion will pass.  The excitement will pass.  The grief, the joy, whatever I’m experiencing, will pass.  Our work is to be present to it all without grasping or denying.  

And yes, we can learn from it.  Next time I won’t squeeze so many things in so tightly - or maybe I will!  Maybe this is part of who I am.  I delight in chances to share what I’ve been given.  I love seeing people come alive in new ways.  That’s worth some weariness.  

But i do miss writing during those periods.  I sense you all with me when I write and post, and I look forward to your responses.  I lose something when we’re out of touch.  Know that during those periods I continue to pray for you, even those I don’t know.  You are my partners in ministry.

So, these next two weeks are likely to be pretty quiet again.  I won’t have much internet access, or much time.  But nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and in Christ we are members of one body.  I know that, and rely on it.  Please keep me, keep us in your prayers these next weeks, and pray for all those who will be participating with us.  Thank you for being with us on the road.

Alleluia!  Christ is risen!