RevGals Friday Five: Rivers in the Desert

From the RevGals blog site Songbird says: I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19, NRSV.

As we near the end of the long journey toward Easter, a busy time for pastors and layfolk alike, I ponder the words of Isaiah and the relief and refreshment of a river in the desert.For this Friday Five, name five practices, activities, people or _____ (feel free to fill in something I may be forgetting) that for you are rivers in the desert.

1. My Husband. Without his love and support I would not be who I am today. He has been one constant source of love in my life which has allowed me to heal deeply. Now, that doesn't mean all has been perfect. But it is still true. I think I have been the same for him.

2. Meditating. As a general rule I meditate every day for 30 minutes. Lately I have fallen out of practice, which indicates the restlessness of my inner being and tells me I really need to find my way back into this practice. Meditating helps me navigate the storms of life with a good eye for the turbulence.

3. My children. I've always enjoyed the company of my daughter. She is an extrovert and talks a lot but she also shares her life with me (mostly). I enjoy going out to lunch with her and window shopping. (It's always better we don't need to buy something since she is tiny and hard to fit). And my son, he is an introvert, so talking to him is my challenge, but I'm up for it...he is really blossoming right now and it's fun to watch this little boy grow up. (And yes, they are also a source of strain and challenge as I hope and pray they make good choices as they wander off into the world without Mom to hold their hand and keep them safe).

4. Walking my dogs. It is just a joy. Especially when the weather is dry and we can go to dog park. These days, no dog park, its a swamp and way too muddy. But soon we can go again. So, for now it's just a 30 minute walk around the block...but still good. It's Spring here in the Midwest, or as much of Spring as we ever get.

5. Preaching in Lent. I have had a really good time pondering and preaching this Lent. It's been rich, and as always gives me lots to ponder about God, life, and faith.

6. I'm adding one more: clergy support groups. I have several: a group of women colleagues from seminary, we meet once a month for lunch, to share our lives and ministry challenges. A laywoman who I also meet with once a month for lunch and we too share our lives and ministries. She is a good listener and points me in some interesting directions to ponder. I'm also seeing a Jungian Analyst who is also an Episcopal priest...this person gives me lots to ponder and really helps me understand the deep spiritual dynamics of my life. And last but not least, the RevGals blog - a place of wonderful community as I live a Jobian time in life, I appreciate all of you. (Plus my own blog is fun, albeit often just a place to safely complain...but that's good too).