Friday Five

Beginnings and endings Friday Five

Sally over at RevGalBlogPals writes: 

This Celtic Mandala represents life, noting how days and years turn from one to another. As we have stepped from 2008 into 2009 some of us look back with joy and others with sadness; probably most of us with a mixture of the two.

As we look back we may come to understand how God has worked in and through us in joy and sadness. how we have grown against what may seem impossible odds. As we look forward we may do so with expectation, and we may do so with fear and trembling. As we look back and forward in New Years liminality I offer you this simple yet I hope profound Friday Five in two parts:

First list five things that you remember/ treasure from 2008

Then list five things that you are looking forward to in 2009

As you read one anothers blogs today I challenge you to leave a word of encouragement and pause to pray for each member of Revgals as we step into a New Year. I leave you this New Year Blessing from the Iona Community:

We stand to face the future:

God behind us in the past

Christ before us; the way ahead;

Christ beside us in this moment;

Christ beneath us in our weakness;

Christ above to shield us-

beneath the shadow of his wings we are safe;

Christ between us to bind us in the unity of his love;

Christ in us equipping us with his all sufficient grace.

Thus armed and guided, and protected we face the new year.

Now we arise and go forth on the journey before us,

knowing that, where Christ leads, life is a journey home.

Therefore we travel in faith, in hope, and in love,

in the name of the Father/ Mother, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

May the blessing of God

be upon us

all this year

and into eternity. Amen.

Five things I remember/treasure from 2008:

1. Serving as head-of-staff during my colleague's 4-month sabbatical was full of growth for me. What a gift!

2. Along the same lines, getting to serve with the interim minister, Lorraine, was incredible - two women clergy in their 30s c0-leading worship each week!

3. Spending Thanksgiving (and the day after) with my family and our "extended" loved ones.

4. Spending a wonderful 2 days of Christmas in Denver with my partner Jamie. When was the last time we had such a fun experience?

5. My greatest, most life-giving experience of 2008 (and I can't imagine ever topping this, but I'm open to what the universe will offer) was meeting and spending almost 5 days hiking, eating with and listening to Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls at a retreat ranch in WY. I am so very blessed to have met one of my living heros.

Five things I'm looking forward to in 2009:

1. Seeing how my sabbatical plans take shape.

2. Jamie's graduation from Iliff...and whatever comes next.

3. Continuing to grow in my own spiritual life (outside of the church).

4. Learning how to play acoustic guitar!

5. Another blessed year :).