Index of Rev. Grey's Columns

Toward the end of January I spent an intensive week in the Christian Spirituality class at McCormick. At the close of the week our professor, Dr. Steele, gave us our class assignment. From February 9 through Easter, March 27, we were to pay attention to daily spiritual practice, keep a journal, and then turn the journal in to him by April 1. It was for our eyes and his eyes only.

I couldn't have asked for a better assignment. I am grateful for a discipline of mindfulness, taking time regularly for prayer, meditations of various kinds, walking in Central Park under the "Gates" or in Riverside Park near the Hudson River, playing my alto and soprano recorders, worshipping with various communities, and reflecting in my journal.

Some of my experiences of mindful awareness have been serendipitous. Walking west on 82nd Street toward my "home" away from home last night, I listened to the sounds of the city, muted by the falling snow. In the cold silence I felt the kind of peaceful-in-the-moment feeling that meditation sometimes brings. Of course, such moments are transitory. Shortly, aware the wind had picked up and my nose and hands were freezing, I realized how uncomfortable I was. Then I thought about the warmth of my upper west side home, minutes away. Being in the moment is all well and fine, but sometimes it is helpful to think ahead to a hopeful future!

The windy, biting cold felt almost like Chicago, and that made me think about my real home, and all that I am missing - beloved people of the church, friends in the neighborhood, even the lake. It is good to think of you there. I am so grateful to you all for caring for our church and each other.

And I am especially thankful to all of you who have been offering so many healing prayers and wishes for Rev. Millie Rochester's recovery. It is comforting to know that Millie and Roger have so much wonderful support, from the congregation and from many colleagues and especially from Rev. Viola Moore. And now how happy I am that I can hear Millie's fine strong voice as, back home again, she begins to regain her strength.

As I write I am moving into the second half of the New York phase of my sabbatical, visiting Hindu worship services and Muslim mosques, reading about these faiths, spending time at the libraries of Columbia University and Union Theological School, writing a paper for a D. Min course, getting to know some very interesting people who live near me, and visiting with Kim and Hannah and other family and friends. Thank you so very much for this sabbatical opportunity for nurture, learning and growth.

With love, in faith,

Nina