Both Sides
By Rev. Nina D. Grey
August, 2000
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Both Sides |
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Thoughts on Beginning Some Time Away
I know the lake will be here when I come back from my vacation August 20, but it's hard to leave it. I sit during the early evening before leaving, looking out the window at the curve of the lake, the beautiful blue ripples, the lighter sun filled sky, the specks of sails on the water in the distance. It's hard to leave even if it is only for five weeks, and even though I am sure I will enjoy my time away.
The other day I was riding down the elevator with a load of laundry. A man got on and commented on the never-ending work of laundry. "Yes," I said, "a person's work is never done." It's true. I left a clear desk before I left the church today, but don't let that fool you. I put the filing still to be done on the ledge behind the desk. I put the pile of "things to be done" in my briefcase and brought them home, just in case I could do a few things as I finished packing. And it is hard to clear my thoughts as I prepare to leave. I am still thinking of some folks grieving loss and of others going through changes. I am thinking of some who are going off for vacations and others returning. And of those folks faithfully carrying on the ministries of our church through July and August, in worship, religious education and so many other ways. I am thinking of upcoming important events in the life of the church, as we welcome Rev. Marlene Walker. And I'm remembering the weddings I have scheduled soon upon my return.
Now it's time to begin letting go. That's what vacations are for, isn't it, clearing the docket and the mind, making room for refreshment and renewal to come in? Making room for a more relaxed state of being and for the joy of renewed ties with family and friends? Time for active swimming, for walking, reading, and staring out windows at less familiar scenes?
I will begin my time away with a week's Leadership Conference in Boston and Cape Cod, then a month partly with family, partly alone at a UU camp on the ocean, partly with a friend, also on the ocean, and partly with my daughter Kimberly and her family, in Key West, FL. I think it will be a wonderful time and truly refreshing.
I am grateful for the opportunity for renewal.
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Rev. David Arksey is providing able emergency pastoral coverage until August 1. Rev. Marlene Walker arrives on August 1 and will be available for pastoral needs. I am so pleased just thinking ahead to working closely with her in ministry after I return. Your Board of Trustees, RE Council, and other Councils and Committees are hard at work planning for upcoming events and programs. The Social Justice Council is focused on planning for the August 26 Rally in Washington about racial profiling (having successfully passed an Action of Immediate Witness at General Assembly). We can be grateful to all who care for the life of our congregation during the summer and throughout the year.
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Whether you are home in or near Chicago in July and August or take some of that time to be away, I hope that you will have some opportunity for clearing the mind and making room for some sustaining and enriching moments.
While I am away, I will seek some water for our Water Ceremony on September 10. I hope you will find some, too, to share in our service of regathering.
With Love, In Faith,
Nina