Let's see . . . there was the National Day of Prayer breakfast. I was reminded, as I sat in a banquet room with 450 people and listened to prayers that were 100% Christian and essentially included an altar call (in words, not acts) and a rousing singing of "God Bless America," that two years ago I served on my home city's committee for an interfaith commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. These were very different experiences and events. I could write about those. Or not.
Monday I went to an outstanding program on suicide prevention for clergy and mental health professionals. I learned some things that were immediately helpful, and heard some viewpoints that were disturbing. I could write about that. Or not.
This afternoon I am co-officiating at a funeral with a Church of the Brethren pastor. We have some, uh, differences. I could write about that. Or not.
Last night I was told that if I were a more experienced pastor, I would know when to remain silent. I could write about that. Or not.
I am having some trouble here. In general. Last week someone who knows about these things said to me, in a good kind of way (I think), that I am an extremely self-actualized person. I don't really understand what that means, but I think it explains why I am having some trouble. In general.
I think what I'll write about is this: On my walk this morning, I saw a red-headed woodpecker. Made my day. And it wasn't even 8:00.
I had to google "self-actualized" -- this seemed helpful, though I've not idea how much authoritative weight to throw its way: http://www.amid.com/werd/15-traits-of-the-self-actualized-person/
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote about the red-headed woodpecker :) I can only hear the woodpecker that lives nearby, I've never seen him/her
I particularly like these two:
Deletetends to do most things creatively, but does not necessarily possess great talent -- LOLOL! so true, and
Is capable of detachment from culture; can objectively compare cultures and can take or leave conventions.
I had - and I'm serious - been thinking earlier this morning that I wish I had taken more classes in anthropology, because I feel like an anthropologist these days.
It is amazing the situations to which you are led. Each brings with it a certain tension but the Lord has brought you to those places. Having said that, I'm glad that you wrote about the woodpecker - God is in all things.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am very happy about that bird.
DeleteDefinitely the bird....most days I just don't write about anything...because I simply can't figure out how to articulate the stuff of my life.
ReplyDeleteOops - I think the word I was looking for was self-differentiated. I am not good with these words.
ReplyDeletenature transcends our petty, and not so petty, human differences. yay for nature.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said. I so get the 'or not'. I am glad you are my friend and the woodpecker is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI dig woodpeckers. And there is no way I will add "or not"
ReplyDelete