Dorcas shares at RevGalBlogPals:
Though I am from a non-liturgical denomination, I find myself longing for some of the expressions others of you may experience at this time of year. The same thing happens to me during Advent. At both times I am drawn to the symbolism of darkness becoming light, of longing turning to joy. One of my favorite thngs at this time of year used to be draping the wooden cross at the rear of our sanctuary with a dark purple velvet cloth and adding a crown of (ouch!) thorns--and what a lovely thing it was to see that same cross on Easter Sunday morning, draped in glowing white with a golden, jewel-studded crown added.
Not being a pastor this year, I am missing some of the symbolism I always tried to employ. I may find a nearby Episcopalian or Lutheran congregation to visit at some point, acually.
Today I am asking for your thoughts on that movement from darkness to light. Tell us five ways in which you are anticipating, or your life is moving towards light, joy, hope--new things: new ideas, new hobbies, new people...and so on.
Confidential to Singing Owl: Oh, Dorcas, I hope you do find a liturgical church to visit. Palm Sunday and Holy Week services are so important to me. You could come see me! I would love to have you.
Okay: five ways I'm moving toward the light.
Ken (and I, a little bit) are working on getting our side yard fixed up. It's thick with oak trees and there are so many mosquitoes that it's really been uninhabitable in the spring/summer/fall. We love to be out there but not with the bugs!! He has an invention worked up to spray an organic mosquito-killer through the mister he's rigging. I'll keep you postsed.
I'm still working on getting back to regular Jazzercise attendance, but the truth is, it makes every difference in the world - physically, emotionally, spiritually. And, there's a real lightening effect if I will do it! :)
I've had a change in medications which is slowly helping to get some things "managed" that had been askew. Grateful for docs who work with me to get it right.
I'm excited about some new proposals and planning for the future I will be doing at work in the coming months. In November I'll have been in this position 2 years, and it's been a big learning curve as it was a newly-created position. There were plans and ideas about what my duties would be, and those have shifted some over time, with new priorities and opportunities. I'm hoping to recommend some improvements to our processes to make life easier for us all. This includes more social media and electronic tools.
I'm excited about RevGalBlogPals. I love this group and am passionate about its mission. The Big Event in February/March was wonderful as usual, and our discussions there have led us to look into some ways that the group's activities may grow to better assist women and men in ministry. We'll be having a visioning retreat for the Board in the summer and I'm excited both about the time together and the opportunity to look ahead.
So, Yay! Thanks for such a positive and think-y Five today, Dorcas.
