There's something to be said for yoga. While I've never been able to stick to it, as a routine, it always seems to replenish me when I do it. After what seems like I long week, I need reminding to focus on my breathe and stay present in the moment. Sometimes that means noticing the pain in my shoulder or exhaling all the tension in my body OR just being at peace with myself in the current state I am in, not wanting to do, rush, perform, etc.
This all reminds me of a song we sang at my multi-faith internship this summer. It was very simple but I find myself singing it or thinking it and humming while I walk. "When I breathe in, I breathe in peace. And when I breathe out, I breathe out love". Singing this brings me back to where I am supposed to be. You can't sing this song and be upset, or worried about the future, or distracted by the internet. You can only sing this with your whole heart.
So, whatever song inspires you or whatever exercise brings you peace of mind and keeps you rooted in the present, savor it.
Blessings on the journey,
G
11 November 2010
06 November 2010
Reel Nonviolence: How to Train Your Dragon
Stayed in with my family tonight, a luxury since my brother is in town visiting to celebrate my engagement. After a whirlwind party out in the 'burbs we settled in with a movie on the couch "How to Train Your Dragon". I was excited for an entertaining cartoon, but had little expectations for a take-home message. Boy, was I wrong.
This popular kids' movie really addressed violence and fear of the unknown in a moving and meaningful way. Instead of killing a never-before-seen, deadly species of dragon, a young scrawny (read: brainy) viking assists the wounded animal back to recovery, discovering friendship along the way. He had opportunity to kill the dragon and would not go through with it because he saw some of himself in what his village determined the most dangerous of beasts. In what most people feared, he recognized his own vulnerability as well as the dragon's. He takes time to get to know his enemy and make him his friend, an important message preached by most prophets and religious traditions. Amen to preaching not only nonviolence but loving your neighbor as yourself.
I am not a film critic, nor will I ever attempt to be, but I do recognize a meaningful movie when I see one. While most films condone the vigilante killing for justice, protecting the innocent, destroying the unknown, this movie reveals the mask of redemptive violence and refuses to take part (as well as entertain with funny viking caricatures). My thanks go to the original writer of the book series that spurred this film, Cressida Cowell and the wonderfully imaginative screenwriter who transformed Ms. Cowell's ideas in this film, William Davies, and writer/directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders.
This popular kids' movie really addressed violence and fear of the unknown in a moving and meaningful way. Instead of killing a never-before-seen, deadly species of dragon, a young scrawny (read: brainy) viking assists the wounded animal back to recovery, discovering friendship along the way. He had opportunity to kill the dragon and would not go through with it because he saw some of himself in what his village determined the most dangerous of beasts. In what most people feared, he recognized his own vulnerability as well as the dragon's. He takes time to get to know his enemy and make him his friend, an important message preached by most prophets and religious traditions. Amen to preaching not only nonviolence but loving your neighbor as yourself.
I am not a film critic, nor will I ever attempt to be, but I do recognize a meaningful movie when I see one. While most films condone the vigilante killing for justice, protecting the innocent, destroying the unknown, this movie reveals the mask of redemptive violence and refuses to take part (as well as entertain with funny viking caricatures). My thanks go to the original writer of the book series that spurred this film, Cressida Cowell and the wonderfully imaginative screenwriter who transformed Ms. Cowell's ideas in this film, William Davies, and writer/directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders.
26 October 2010
How to really restore sanity
Let's start out by saying that I am one of Jon Stewart's biggest fans. He's been hosting his satiric news show since I was 16. I am thankful for his almost nightly contribution to the otherwise boring new circuit. But now he's going where no comedian has gone before, hosting a national rally. I remember when folks were wearing those "Stewart Colbert '08" shirts a few years back and now I'm sure they will be re-surfacing.
As much as we need to restore sanity in this country, a rally of liberals (myself included) is not the solution. We're doing something quite similar to what Glenn Beck and his group did, minus a lot of religious overtones. We're separating ourselves from the "other side". And further division is NOT what this country needs to solve its problems.
What this country really needs is dialogue. We need to see the humanness in one another. It's time to grab coffee with that person in your office who supported George W. Bush or who watches Fox News and have a conversation. Let a person you don't agree with share his/her story while you share yours. While we're at it, let's conquer our fear of the unknown. If you're skeptical of Muslims, go to a mosque and talk to one. If you're not sure about what it mean to be GLBT, find a friend who is or knows someone who is and be open to hearing that story.
We're in two wars and serious debt. The problems of our food system, poverty and education will only continue to prevail if we remain divided. There are systems in this country that have "fallen", as Walter Wink puts it, from their good natures (corporations, banks, the government). It is our job as Americans together (from many different backgrounds of faith, gender, race, origin) to unmask the bad things going on so that we can confront them as a nation. If we remain divided into extreme parties on either side, everyone loses. We must come together through conversation to grow into a health nation once again.
To all you head down to the rally here in DC this weekend, please bring an open mind. Don't just hang out with all you liberal friends, but engage with whomever who deem the opposite side.
As much as we need to restore sanity in this country, a rally of liberals (myself included) is not the solution. We're doing something quite similar to what Glenn Beck and his group did, minus a lot of religious overtones. We're separating ourselves from the "other side". And further division is NOT what this country needs to solve its problems.
What this country really needs is dialogue. We need to see the humanness in one another. It's time to grab coffee with that person in your office who supported George W. Bush or who watches Fox News and have a conversation. Let a person you don't agree with share his/her story while you share yours. While we're at it, let's conquer our fear of the unknown. If you're skeptical of Muslims, go to a mosque and talk to one. If you're not sure about what it mean to be GLBT, find a friend who is or knows someone who is and be open to hearing that story.
We're in two wars and serious debt. The problems of our food system, poverty and education will only continue to prevail if we remain divided. There are systems in this country that have "fallen", as Walter Wink puts it, from their good natures (corporations, banks, the government). It is our job as Americans together (from many different backgrounds of faith, gender, race, origin) to unmask the bad things going on so that we can confront them as a nation. If we remain divided into extreme parties on either side, everyone loses. We must come together through conversation to grow into a health nation once again.
To all you head down to the rally here in DC this weekend, please bring an open mind. Don't just hang out with all you liberal friends, but engage with whomever who deem the opposite side.
23 October 2010
I'm back
Only two and a half months between blog posts, not horrible. I've definitely gone years before. But let's get down to business.
My current life, consisting of two jobs, one class, a wedding to plan, and grad school applications, may seem like chaos but I am slowly harnessing it. I've started working on my applications which for a while were gnawing at me. I thought my avoidance of them meant that I was scared to to go to seminary or that I lacked the confidence to move forward with my plans. I have decided that those assumptions are incorrect. Yes, going to grad school is a big step but I've taken this year "off" to thoroughly explore my options. And I am doing a good job of that so I shouldn't be fearful. All of the schools I am applying to are awesome and I would be happy to get a great education at any one of them.
The wedding plans are also coming along nicely. We've secured our venue and put some effort into an informative webpage. Yes, I worry that it will be a peculiarly cold or undeterminably hot April 16th, but I am praying about it. I do not worry about my partnership ahead with my husband-to-be. I am secure in knowing that our union is and will continue to be strong.
The jobs, one paid and one not, are alright. My unpaid internship lets me work in a great field with wonderful people, all while in a cubicle. I'm not a fan of the latter. But I am grateful to be exposed to new things and people along this part of my journey and know that it will help me in the long run. Job two, busting my butt at a restaurant for minimum wage, is wearing on me. I am leaving that job in the near future to return to the happy and lucrative world of childcare, inshallah.
My class on urban ministry fascinates me. We discuss real issues about where "evil" comes from and how it exists in our cities today and what can we as religious leaders do to address it. My fellow students come from a variety of backgrounds, theologically and socially. I am the only Unitarian in the class which makes things especially interesting when we talk about the nature of God and Christ. My faith strays from the prescribed Christian views. My idea of God is vast, unknowable, and ever-expanding. It became interesting that at the end of class this week I came out with my beliefs. While it is incredibly intimidating telling a group of Christians that while Jesus rocks, he's not my savior, I am happy I stepped forward a bit. I think it was good for my personal/spiritual development to be true to myself out loud in mixed company. Bottom line is that I plan on doing it again and making my voice known.
That's all that's fit to print this morning. Enjoy the weekend. I promise it won't be another ten weeks without another post.
Grace
My current life, consisting of two jobs, one class, a wedding to plan, and grad school applications, may seem like chaos but I am slowly harnessing it. I've started working on my applications which for a while were gnawing at me. I thought my avoidance of them meant that I was scared to to go to seminary or that I lacked the confidence to move forward with my plans. I have decided that those assumptions are incorrect. Yes, going to grad school is a big step but I've taken this year "off" to thoroughly explore my options. And I am doing a good job of that so I shouldn't be fearful. All of the schools I am applying to are awesome and I would be happy to get a great education at any one of them.
The wedding plans are also coming along nicely. We've secured our venue and put some effort into an informative webpage. Yes, I worry that it will be a peculiarly cold or undeterminably hot April 16th, but I am praying about it. I do not worry about my partnership ahead with my husband-to-be. I am secure in knowing that our union is and will continue to be strong.
The jobs, one paid and one not, are alright. My unpaid internship lets me work in a great field with wonderful people, all while in a cubicle. I'm not a fan of the latter. But I am grateful to be exposed to new things and people along this part of my journey and know that it will help me in the long run. Job two, busting my butt at a restaurant for minimum wage, is wearing on me. I am leaving that job in the near future to return to the happy and lucrative world of childcare, inshallah.
My class on urban ministry fascinates me. We discuss real issues about where "evil" comes from and how it exists in our cities today and what can we as religious leaders do to address it. My fellow students come from a variety of backgrounds, theologically and socially. I am the only Unitarian in the class which makes things especially interesting when we talk about the nature of God and Christ. My faith strays from the prescribed Christian views. My idea of God is vast, unknowable, and ever-expanding. It became interesting that at the end of class this week I came out with my beliefs. While it is incredibly intimidating telling a group of Christians that while Jesus rocks, he's not my savior, I am happy I stepped forward a bit. I think it was good for my personal/spiritual development to be true to myself out loud in mixed company. Bottom line is that I plan on doing it again and making my voice known.
That's all that's fit to print this morning. Enjoy the weekend. I promise it won't be another ten weeks without another post.
Grace
31 July 2010
Shabbat Shalom/Final Day
I think what I will miss the most about my multi-faith community is our shabbat service. Each Friday evening, as the sun begins to set we gather together in our home. Each week has brought new challenges, overwhelming information, self discovery and doubt and beyond. But no matter what happens each week, we gather together to think of a more perfect world.
This is not an easy practice. A week ago we visited a maximum security prison. As we shared this space with incarcerated men, their stories and poems unearthed emotion in us all. We reflected on the brokenness of our society and the injustices of the prison system. Coming home that night we started our shabbat service with troubled hearts and minds. How could our country be so entrenched in wrong doing? How do we reconcile the good we seek to do with the bad systems holding justice back? But I was reminded as we began to sing in Hebrew that life is not perfect. Shabbat is not living perfection, but a reflection of our earnest attempts to ameliorate society. Yes, we may be bogged down by injustice, weary and cynical at times, but shabbat reminds us to rest and take care of ourselves so that we may continue our journeys.
Yesterday, shabbat reminded me that the world is what I make of it. I can dream big dreams of what I want the world to look like. In Genesis, the creation story tells us that God created the world in six days and on the seventh day God rested because the world was good. Whether you believe this story is literal or not bears no importance. God saw the world as wonderful after six days of work and God rested. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that there is ever a time to rest because our world is so full of suffering. But shabbat has taught me that rest gives us the chance to break from the ruckus of our weekly work and return to envisioning a more perfect world.
During my last night's shabbat I was not sad about leaving my multi-faith community but inspired to bring shabbat home with me to my own community. Maybe I won't know the tune to every Hebrew song and prayer, but I can rest assured that my intention will remain pure-- to rest, pray, dream and act. Shabbat shalom.
This is not an easy practice. A week ago we visited a maximum security prison. As we shared this space with incarcerated men, their stories and poems unearthed emotion in us all. We reflected on the brokenness of our society and the injustices of the prison system. Coming home that night we started our shabbat service with troubled hearts and minds. How could our country be so entrenched in wrong doing? How do we reconcile the good we seek to do with the bad systems holding justice back? But I was reminded as we began to sing in Hebrew that life is not perfect. Shabbat is not living perfection, but a reflection of our earnest attempts to ameliorate society. Yes, we may be bogged down by injustice, weary and cynical at times, but shabbat reminds us to rest and take care of ourselves so that we may continue our journeys.
Yesterday, shabbat reminded me that the world is what I make of it. I can dream big dreams of what I want the world to look like. In Genesis, the creation story tells us that God created the world in six days and on the seventh day God rested because the world was good. Whether you believe this story is literal or not bears no importance. God saw the world as wonderful after six days of work and God rested. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that there is ever a time to rest because our world is so full of suffering. But shabbat has taught me that rest gives us the chance to break from the ruckus of our weekly work and return to envisioning a more perfect world.
During my last night's shabbat I was not sad about leaving my multi-faith community but inspired to bring shabbat home with me to my own community. Maybe I won't know the tune to every Hebrew song and prayer, but I can rest assured that my intention will remain pure-- to rest, pray, dream and act. Shabbat shalom.
13 July 2010
Day 7
I am surround by beautiful people and beautiful creation. Feeling very blessed to be where I am right now. It's exactly where I am supposed to be. People here aren't afraid to ask big questions, like "What do you think God is?". It's like candy for my spirit. To say that engaging in these topics excites me is an understatement. I am wowed by how many chances I get here to define and refine my personal faith and the mystical force out there in the universe.
We broke ground on our 30' x 50' plot today, turning a piece of a field into a brand new garden (or "gan" in Hebrew). We were only digging for about 45 minutes but many of us felt exhausted afterwards. Tomorrow's work session will be a lot longer with hopefully a lot more progress. The ground we dug today was dry and verrrrry tough but the combination of rain and sprinkler on the field now should really help.
Connecting to the earth and sweating because of working with soil is a wonderful feeling. We should all do it more often. Amen.
We broke ground on our 30' x 50' plot today, turning a piece of a field into a brand new garden (or "gan" in Hebrew). We were only digging for about 45 minutes but many of us felt exhausted afterwards. Tomorrow's work session will be a lot longer with hopefully a lot more progress. The ground we dug today was dry and verrrrry tough but the combination of rain and sprinkler on the field now should really help.
Connecting to the earth and sweating because of working with soil is a wonderful feeling. We should all do it more often. Amen.
06 July 2010
Day 1
So far, loving life here at my internship in the woods. There are 16 interns here ranging from just out of high school (teenagers, ah!) up to late twenties. I am on the upper end and proud of it. Today consisted of sweating, getting to know one another, sweating, house rules, sweating, delicious vegetarian dinner, a little more sweating and orientation and ice-cream. End of the night is scattered chatting about all our lives, what we do, face-booking one another, etc.
Tomorrow we're off on our camping trip, learning about the basic theme of our internship (wouldn't you like to know). We'll also be enjoying swimming, making a bonfire, and enjoying kosher smores. I'm not sure what makes smores un-kosher but I'm interested to find out.
Also I love the basic structure of our days, beginning with intentional morning mediation time, manual labor, and learning. There's plenty of free time also to keep me on my path of discernment. When Imet with one of the pastors of my church last Sunday she said that this would be a transformational time for me and I am starting to believe her. This month is going to be incredible.
Hope to have more writing to come... wish me luck in the woods.
G
Tomorrow we're off on our camping trip, learning about the basic theme of our internship (wouldn't you like to know). We'll also be enjoying swimming, making a bonfire, and enjoying kosher smores. I'm not sure what makes smores un-kosher but I'm interested to find out.
Also I love the basic structure of our days, beginning with intentional morning mediation time, manual labor, and learning. There's plenty of free time also to keep me on my path of discernment. When Imet with one of the pastors of my church last Sunday she said that this would be a transformational time for me and I am starting to believe her. This month is going to be incredible.
Hope to have more writing to come... wish me luck in the woods.
G
01 July 2010
A Gift
I recently went out to dinner with very close family friends. They are in full support of my journey and even brought a gift along to soften the blow of my job-quitting transition. It is an angel wearing a dress of the following phrases:
Embrace Change: Begin Today, Surround Yourself with Good People, Surrender your Fear, Feel the Brightness of Being Alive,
What is Calling You?, Take Flight for Your Dreams, Wear Red Shoes, Believe in Possibility, Be Brave.
So far I am wearing red shoes. Actually many of these statements ring true for me and it feels good to see them written down and have them staring at me, so that when I have doubts about my path I need only look up for encouragement.
Short post for now, finishing up at work tomorrow and then packing for my month away. I must admit my nervous feelings of going someplace new and unknown, but with every deep breathe comes contentment and excitement for the first part of my transition. I know many more posts will come as a result.
Happy Independence and Interdependence Day! Let's celebrate the good things.
G
Embrace Change: Begin Today, Surround Yourself with Good People, Surrender your Fear, Feel the Brightness of Being Alive,
What is Calling You?, Take Flight for Your Dreams, Wear Red Shoes, Believe in Possibility, Be Brave.
So far I am wearing red shoes. Actually many of these statements ring true for me and it feels good to see them written down and have them staring at me, so that when I have doubts about my path I need only look up for encouragement.
Short post for now, finishing up at work tomorrow and then packing for my month away. I must admit my nervous feelings of going someplace new and unknown, but with every deep breathe comes contentment and excitement for the first part of my transition. I know many more posts will come as a result.
Happy Independence and Interdependence Day! Let's celebrate the good things.
G
25 June 2010
Reality is getting real
It's starting to sink in that I will not have a job soon. Interestingly enough I remain calm. I have been telling more and more people about my resignation and seem to have more and more support coming my way (in addition to lots of questions).
Last night I attended a meeting at church in an unfortunately un-air conditioned room where we learned about conducting individual meetings. Our resident community organizer says, "It's the most radical thing we do". And I came to realize its potency as we practiced. It is the essence of making a human connection. You're meeting with someone face-to-face, no agenda but getting to know what that person is about. It is a simple yet mind-blowing idea. When's the last time I had a conversation that did not have a motive to go along with it? Whenever I talk with folks about ministry and seminary I am always on the hunt for helpful hints and clues. I want to "get ahead" and learn more about his/her career and path in order to do well in mine. Individual meetings are not about filling your own needs. Your goal is the other person, not me, me, me. You want to know how this person thinks, why s/he thinks that way and ultimately what drives him/her to stand up and act (and share those things likewise). It's about sharing and digging, sometimes deep, into a person's ideas and how history has shaped those ideas. I am beyond fascinated and know this will be useful in building deep relations both personally and professionally.
I came home brimming with hope and awe about the process I had just gone through. What a great way to end what has been a tumultuous week. There is a cheery positivity in my soul as I enter the weekend. It also helps that I am momentarily leaving for the shore. The beach has always been a place of respite and wonder for me. I never tire of walking in wet sand listening to waves crash at my feet. It's something so natural, rhythmic, and amazing at the same time. I look forward to some pure relaxation (and world cup soccer) this weekend and not thinking about the fact that I have to squeeze in a full, final week of work, followed by a holiday weekend, followed by four weeks away from home. Just going to sit back and listen to the ocean with some Celtic Wisdom...and maybe a frisbee.
Last night I attended a meeting at church in an unfortunately un-air conditioned room where we learned about conducting individual meetings. Our resident community organizer says, "It's the most radical thing we do". And I came to realize its potency as we practiced. It is the essence of making a human connection. You're meeting with someone face-to-face, no agenda but getting to know what that person is about. It is a simple yet mind-blowing idea. When's the last time I had a conversation that did not have a motive to go along with it? Whenever I talk with folks about ministry and seminary I am always on the hunt for helpful hints and clues. I want to "get ahead" and learn more about his/her career and path in order to do well in mine. Individual meetings are not about filling your own needs. Your goal is the other person, not me, me, me. You want to know how this person thinks, why s/he thinks that way and ultimately what drives him/her to stand up and act (and share those things likewise). It's about sharing and digging, sometimes deep, into a person's ideas and how history has shaped those ideas. I am beyond fascinated and know this will be useful in building deep relations both personally and professionally.
I came home brimming with hope and awe about the process I had just gone through. What a great way to end what has been a tumultuous week. There is a cheery positivity in my soul as I enter the weekend. It also helps that I am momentarily leaving for the shore. The beach has always been a place of respite and wonder for me. I never tire of walking in wet sand listening to waves crash at my feet. It's something so natural, rhythmic, and amazing at the same time. I look forward to some pure relaxation (and world cup soccer) this weekend and not thinking about the fact that I have to squeeze in a full, final week of work, followed by a holiday weekend, followed by four weeks away from home. Just going to sit back and listen to the ocean with some Celtic Wisdom...and maybe a frisbee.
23 June 2010
I begin by saying, "I quit"
Yes, I left my job during the recession. It becomes more scary as I write it down. I'll be starting a new chapter in my life and I want it to be witnessed with this blog which I intend to treat as an online journal/rant of sorts. I started to feel the itch to leave in winter, which is about right seeing as how I haven't lasted at any of my jobs out of college more than 12 or 15 months. I am pretty darn proud that I last a whole 20 months at my most recent engagement though.
Moving on, I quit my non-profit-flexible work hours-with a competent, understanding boss job because I want to go to seminary and work in the field of religion (please hold all applause and/or sarcastic remarks until you finish reading this post). Not deciding in time to comfortably apply for 2010, I knew I wanted to start my journey in 2010 even if seminary wasn't on the horizon for another year. Here's how most conversations go when I tell people about my big change:
Friend/Acquaintance: Oh, you're becoming a pastor? That's wonderful.
Me: Actually, I haven't decided if that's the path I want to take.
F/A: So, what kind of job are you going to get?
Me: Well, I haven't figured that out yet but I am really interested in a lot of different subjects that seminary has to offer, like interfaith work and bioethics. And I trust that I'll figure out the end goal when the time comes.
F/A: So what denomination are you?
Me: Well, I grew up Methodist but really feel at home in a Unitarian-Universalist congregation right now. But I don't feel tied to any specific denomination. I don't like signing anyone's books. It's not what's important to me.
F/A: Oh. Ok.
Banter goes back and forth but no progress is made as I seem to force folks out of their talking-about-religion comfort zone. I know there are other people out there venturing uncertainly into seminary... I guess I just haven't met any of them yet (and neither have the people I've been talking to). Some folks are immediately turned away by my seminary aspirations, especially here in the Nation's Capitol where many work in politics and identify religion as a nuisance. Others seem nervous that I have quit my job for the next year to explore some of my career aspirations. Luckily the only opinion that matters is my own.
But here's the real low down. Starting July 6th I will be heading to a retreat center in NY state to do a month long interfaith internship focused on farming, hospitality, and non-violence/peace-building in the Abrahamic faiths. There will be over a dozen other interns there, all young adults who are either Jewish, Christian or Muslim. I am looking forward to a time of both manual work and intellectual stimulation both of which I have been lacking of late. When I return in August I'll prep and take the GRE (since Harvard Divinity School requires it). Then, I'll cram a little vacation into my hectic schedule and come back post-Labor day to continue my year of exploration.
Currently I'm applying to internships for this fall and hoping to land some part-time work as well with progressive organizations that tackle issues of faith and society. Sounds vague mostly because I am open to learning and working in many different environments both within and outside of the Church (capital "C" because I mean church orgs in general and not one specific denomination).
September seems far away right now but I know that summer vanishes more quickly than any other season so I would prefer to have all my ducks in a row before vacation in late August. A good quote I like negates my intentions, "If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans". So despite my urge to line up the perfect mixture of intriguing internship and wonderful part-time work I will take a deep cleansing breath and acknowledge that a leap of faith is no fun at all without unexpected twists and turns an even a little panic. So please (if you care to) join me on this unorthodox journey of exploring my life and passion, applying for seminary, and everything in between.
G
Moving on, I quit my non-profit-flexible work hours-with a competent, understanding boss job because I want to go to seminary and work in the field of religion (please hold all applause and/or sarcastic remarks until you finish reading this post). Not deciding in time to comfortably apply for 2010, I knew I wanted to start my journey in 2010 even if seminary wasn't on the horizon for another year. Here's how most conversations go when I tell people about my big change:
Friend/Acquaintance: Oh, you're becoming a pastor? That's wonderful.
Me: Actually, I haven't decided if that's the path I want to take.
F/A: So, what kind of job are you going to get?
Me: Well, I haven't figured that out yet but I am really interested in a lot of different subjects that seminary has to offer, like interfaith work and bioethics. And I trust that I'll figure out the end goal when the time comes.
F/A: So what denomination are you?
Me: Well, I grew up Methodist but really feel at home in a Unitarian-Universalist congregation right now. But I don't feel tied to any specific denomination. I don't like signing anyone's books. It's not what's important to me.
F/A: Oh. Ok.
Banter goes back and forth but no progress is made as I seem to force folks out of their talking-about-religion comfort zone. I know there are other people out there venturing uncertainly into seminary... I guess I just haven't met any of them yet (and neither have the people I've been talking to). Some folks are immediately turned away by my seminary aspirations, especially here in the Nation's Capitol where many work in politics and identify religion as a nuisance. Others seem nervous that I have quit my job for the next year to explore some of my career aspirations. Luckily the only opinion that matters is my own.
But here's the real low down. Starting July 6th I will be heading to a retreat center in NY state to do a month long interfaith internship focused on farming, hospitality, and non-violence/peace-building in the Abrahamic faiths. There will be over a dozen other interns there, all young adults who are either Jewish, Christian or Muslim. I am looking forward to a time of both manual work and intellectual stimulation both of which I have been lacking of late. When I return in August I'll prep and take the GRE (since Harvard Divinity School requires it). Then, I'll cram a little vacation into my hectic schedule and come back post-Labor day to continue my year of exploration.
Currently I'm applying to internships for this fall and hoping to land some part-time work as well with progressive organizations that tackle issues of faith and society. Sounds vague mostly because I am open to learning and working in many different environments both within and outside of the Church (capital "C" because I mean church orgs in general and not one specific denomination).
September seems far away right now but I know that summer vanishes more quickly than any other season so I would prefer to have all my ducks in a row before vacation in late August. A good quote I like negates my intentions, "If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans". So despite my urge to line up the perfect mixture of intriguing internship and wonderful part-time work I will take a deep cleansing breath and acknowledge that a leap of faith is no fun at all without unexpected twists and turns an even a little panic. So please (if you care to) join me on this unorthodox journey of exploring my life and passion, applying for seminary, and everything in between.
G
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