The Retreat

I'm going to retreat from my home and family, the washing machine, dishwasher, the telephone and computer for several days beginning Monday morning.

I'm backing away from the table of my ordinary life and going off into the woods to think, listen and stare. I'll think about my world here and the world's of my fellow retreatants, listen to the speaker discuss "The Presence of God in Creation" and stare at trees. The tree staring is a specialty of mine. I find looking at trees very hard improves one's perspective on life.

I need a new perspective. I'm sick of preaching. I'm sick of doing the same things over and over again. This temper fit is not my usual stance on life. I like it all, usually. Happy. etc. etc.

Today, I tipped over the edge when I realized how little the adults in the church school class know and understand about Communion. I 'bout fell over, as we say down here.

I know denominationalism isn't popular with many but my congregation IS Presbyterian and by doggie! I'm teaching them what we believe and why.

I just did not realize that they are near clueless about the sacraments. We will be celebrating the Lord's Supper the first Sunday of each month in 2005. This is new for them. They've never had a regular serving of the Supper.

I'll spend more time than I had planned teaching about the sacrament. I'll go on the retreat. I'll enjoy the drive to the retreat. I'll have times of quiet. I'll pray alone and with my colleagues. I'll have better attitude later this week. I'll return ready to work, serve and love.

Keep checking in with me this week. Take care of your bloggy selves.