my last week...

In less than an hour I will be leaving home once again.  For a shorter time.. and slightly less distance... but to one of my favorite places in the entire world.  I am leaving for a time of retreat, reflection, prayer and silence at the Qu'Appelle House of Prayer in Fort Qu'Appelle.  If you have never been, I encourage you to check it out.  They have a website with photos and information.  I have been a few times now and each time have come away feeling more centered and grounded in the love of God... my source of strength, hope and joy.

It is hard to believe that I am entering into my last week of sabbatical time.  What a journey it has been!  I feel so so so so so completely grateful to McClure United Church for granting me this unbelievable gift of time.  Also for giving me the freedom to let that time just be and unfold.  I am grateful particularly to the Ministry and Personnel Committee for encouraging me to not over-structure my time away.  This has given me the space I needed to let God's spirit move in curious and unexpected ways.  I have learned some of what I intended to learn and a whole lot that I never expected.  I am heading into my last week feeling rested, refreshed and spiritually awakened.  I am also heading into my last week feeling excited about my return to McClure and my ministry there.  I love love love the people of McClure.  The other night I ran into Emma... a member of McClure in the 7th grade and her mom.  I saw in Emma's face excitement and love when our eyes met.  She moved quickly to where I was standing (in Mystic Java) and gave me a wonderful hug.  I felt in that moment the intensity of my love for the people of McClure... for the children, youth and the older folks who have been such an inspiration to me for the past 6 years.  I am ready and excited to be back among them... living together the love of Christ in the world.  I am so incredibly blessed. 

I am also incredibly grateful to my beautiful colleagues Ron and Debra.  They have carried a heavier load because of my absence and yet I have felt only support and encouragement from them.  I look forward to being with them again and continuing to grow our ministry together.

A couple of weeks ago I invited those who are able to join me on Sunday, May 27th at 7:30pm at my house to share in a time of conversation and reflection with me.  It's going to be a pretty informal gathering and the purpose is for me to be able to share some of my experiences and learnings and to solicit the questions, challenges, experiences, and stories of others.  If you are in the area and able to join me... please do.  This invitation is open to anyone who might want to stop by.   My address is 602 McKercher Drive.  I really hope to see you there... there is already a wonderful group who are planning to come but the more, the merrier.

And, while I will be in silence for the next week... I do hope to post about my experience there.  I have discovered that I really enjoy writing.  I'm hoping to continue with my blogging after sabbatical.  I suppose I'll need to change the name to "Laura post-sabbatical".

Thanks for reading... God bless!