Holy Week- Monday

I can bemoan the fact that I don't blog often enough, or I could make space, at least on my day off, to blog. The latter is my choice.

I'm grateful for the friends I've made through blogging and through Twitter. KT at Halfway to Normal reflects regularly on what she loves, inviting others to create their own love lists. Being grateful and mindful is a pretty surefire way to combat pessimism or an over focus on the glass being half empty. KT's reminders that leaving space for noticing and responding to what we love is vital to a life of faith. Sounds right to me.

In an effort to balance all sorts of responsibilities this week related to the journey to Gethsemane and Golgotha, I've planned to include one grateful response as a way to attend to those twinkling reminders of resurrection life that do not disappear because this is a solemn week.

Today I'm writing a few notes to people I love. Life is fragile, and it never hurts to take the time to tell folks what I know for sure: I love them.

May this day contain rest and reflection for you, too.

Nice note cards from here.

Life in Lent

I really, really meant to do better and blog more frequently. I treasure my blog friendships and wish I could figure out how to get here and blog with regularity.
I don't feel any better about my IRL friendships. I mean well, but so often catching up with friends takes a back seat to work. I don't do well in the area of recreation, either. I want to knit more, really learn to quilt, enjoy the fabulous city in which I live. I really don't want to be a one-dimensional person.

How do you do it? Do you schedule time to blog and to connect with friends in real life? I've found that scheduling time for exercise is the only way I have been able to build a discipline that comes with benefits. How do you make time for your important relationships?

I say often (almost to the point of boredom) that I am keenly aware of the passing of time. I don't like the feeling that life and time are passing by with little chance to savor the joyful parts...

As I think about the person I want to become, the whole person, who embraces so many gifts from God-- health, friendships,a wonderful family,a good marriage, great kids,a wonderful congreation, a great environment in which to live, a darling puppy-- I want to enjoy all of it more, instead of just being a weary pastor.

That's my reflection, this day in Lent. I see a very weary pastor in the mirror.


Flickr photo.