Sabbatical - Day 1

Well, things could have got off to a better start.    We have new computers at the office, which would be a good thing, and will be eventually, but yesterday was a nightmare just finding things and getting used to it.  I couldn't find anything or figure out how to do anything (ok, quickly where is the office clipboard - found it) I still have so much more to work on.  

Well, my laptop computer also needs to talk to the server (calendar and contacts are an essential thing while travelling - all of my contacts and appointments are in there).   I thought it would be easier than it was (I knew it would be complicated, it always is)   They ended up having to wipe all of my documents, files and PICTURES from the laptop (never fear, they are all backed up, I trust no electronic device)  I have spent the day reloading files and saving only pictures that are necessary to have in the computer back to the computer.  I just need a computer with enough memory for pictures.  Not the way I wanted to start sabbatical - day 1 (more errands to run, more things to declutter at home...)

I did run some errands, including a trip to Ritz Camera (finally got a small case for the DSLR camera, rather than wrapping it in a t-shirt and putting it in my backpack), I can put the case in the backpack. I could, however, see the office from that store, which was weird, really weird.

It is hard to disconnect from things, I am working on it, but will remember that the relationships are still intact, even if I won't be in attendance at events for the next 3 months.  It's just weird. Thanks to Alec for chatting with me today!

I am also aware that I am nothing without you all - the people in my life.  So thanks, and communicate with me!

Last Sunday in Advent

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to preach at two of our services at Church of Our Saviour in Chicago.   I love Advent, and the time leading into Christmas and the holidays!

One of my great discoveries this Advent, thanks to a 7 year old (son of some friends) is that Lego now makes an Advent calendar!  (after preaching about this, everyone wants one, I think Lego owes me commission for future Advent calendar sales from Episcopalians in Chicago!)

It was good to think about Advent, waiting, and yesterday's Gospel theme "Emmanuel - God is with us".  (I got some great insight from the above mentioned 7 year old on God with us)  There is God in community (communities like Lego Advent calendar cities), congregational communities, community at camp..."It's the second day of camp, and I've already found God"  (wisdom from a 6th grade boy!)  The blessing of a church camp!

How is God with us? - 7 year old child wisdom:  "God is in our hearts!"

Now we wait for the last few characters from a Lego Advent Calendar, and for the arrival of the Christ child, and our communities of family, friends, and worshipping communities to gather - God is with us!

Stay tuned:
Stay tuned for more posts as I travel during my sabbatical in early 2011.  My friends who are not on facebook (and those who are on facebook as well) have requested that I post a blog - with pictures, of course.