What experiences are offering me a new perspective?

Thank you, Mary Pat. I remain grateful always that this place is here for us to share what is close to our hearts. But you know, I have long felt that it’s the “ministry of the moment,” in the quietest and unspoken of ways, that is the most meaningful of all. That’s always been my guiding “north star,” at least, more so than programs and presentations, etc.

But you are so right, too. I founded and ran a weekend retreat program for Quaker children for twenty-six years before retiring from that program in 2013. (And from my other professional work in 2015) Today, I continue to “staff” on these retreats, with new leadership that I trained over the years, who is doing a great job, too. And I have intentionally stepped back from putting myself out there in that same arena, preferring to focus on new horizons. The part that stings the most is that I didn’t go asking to be included in an upcoming presentation….some sought me out many months ago and I responded in the affirmative. But I know too that I speak my mind and truth within my wider faith community, and I have asked questions that some within our wider leadership might prefer not to answer. So this too, I’m guessing, is a part of the puzzle as well. Or, as you say, we “older ones,”, we know where the bodies are buried!”