Pondering in Other Places

Ever since July of 2010 I have been making posts on this blog.  Almost six hundred since then.  Usually once a week.   Prompted initially by environmental concerns after the massive BP
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, this blog has gone on to address very personal concerns, as well as issues impacting the wider world.  Racism, sexism, homophobia, war and peace, gun violence, climate change, and so many other issues.  All the result of this pastor's ponderings on Periwinkle Way.  And other places as well--California, Israel, Trinidad, all over New England, Chicago and during the pandemic lockdown, at home!

But this coming Sunday, April 24, I will conduct my last service as Senior Pastor of the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, which has its facilities on Periwinkle Way.  2050 Periwinkle Way to be specific.  And then I will retire.  While my wife Linda and I will remain here in Southwest Florida, my ponderings will not be taking place on Periwinkle Way.  So this blog, will come to an end with this post.  

They say once on the internet, always on the internet.  So the blog will remain on line.  But there will be no new entries.  I do anticipate starting a new blog once the dust of retirement settles.  There will be ponderings in other places.  And if you want to be notified when that happens, please feel free to leave a contact e-mail in the comments section of this blog, or e-mail me at the church over the next few days.

I have been very grateful for the continued interest in these writings and your loyalty as readers.  As you continue in your own ponderings, might you be blessed with insight and clarity.  

(And if you are in the area, I'd love to greet you in person at that final service which will be held at 10:30 AM, Sunday, April 24, at the church.)

A Lesson from DaVinci

This coming Good Friday my congregation will be presenting a dramatization of Leonardo DaVinci’s famous painting, of the Last Supper. It is a series of costumed monologues, interspersed with music, and all against a projection of the painting in the background.  I've been cast as Judas.  Go wonder!

A story is told about DaVinci and that painting that illustrates how forgiveness works. The great artist had a falling out with a man and decides to exact revenge by depicting Judas with his enemy’s face. After he painted Judas, he went on to paint the face of Christ. But try as he might, he just couldn’t come up with the image he needed. And in the midst of this great mural Jesus’ face was blank. 

Shortly after that, though, DaVinci had a change of heart and forgave his enemy. And then he changed the painting so that Judas no longer resembled the man who had hurt him. That night he had a dream, and in that dream, he saw the face of Christ. He painted it the very next day. Only when he had forgiven his enemy, was he himself able to see the loving, forgiving face of Christ.

As we move through these final days of Lent, as we prepare for the joy of Easter, let us not take shortcuts.  Rather, let us be as willing to forgive and to be forgiven as DaVinci.  Let us clear our hearts and minds for an infilling of the Spirit which brings all things to life!

Have a meaningful Holy Weeks, and a Blessed Easter!

(And, if you are in Southwest Florida the presentation is Friday, April 15 at 7:30 PM.  The church is located at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel.)

Retirement Ahead: Will I Sleep In?

Three weeks from today I will be able to sleep in if I so choose.  I will be retired.  (My last Sunday here at Sanibel Congregational UCC will be April 24.)
  Knowing myself, I don't really anticipate sleeping in (which in my case means anything after 6:00 AM) but who knows?  I will have that choice and can exercise it if I so desire.

Preparing for retirement has been a long process, one in which I am still engaged.  I read a couple of books, spoken at length with my spiritual director and therapist about the implications of retirement for my spiritual and psychological health and wellbeing.  I am part of a support group (a community of practice in church speak) for those preparing for retirement or newly retired.  I've prayed about it, spoken with friends who are already retired.  Consulted with my financial advisors.  And of course, have had long conversations with my wife Linda.

Frankly I have mixed emotions going into this next phase of my life.  I have been in parish minsitry now for forty-five years.  More than two-thirds of my life!  And while at times it has been frustrating, for the most part it has been a very satisfying experience and a career well-lived.  Frankly, I will miss having a regular pulpit.  But I also anticipate having more discretion in how I spend my time and being free of many of the administrative aspects of my work.

I realize my experience is far from unique.  But it is my only experience of this transition, and so it feels unique.  I am not overly concerned, nor am I overly excited.  When people say "Congratulations!" I am not sure what I am being congratulated for.  Enduring?  Having a good career?  Being able to retire?  But mostly I am grateful.  Grateful for my career, grateful for the people i have served with, and grateful for the resources that allow this transition to happen.

Will I sleep in?  Check with me in three weeks!