Bill and I attended a neighboring church this morning; a church that is considering a merger with our church. Bill is on the merger committee and I tagged along as both spouse and session elder. It's a pragmatic decision for their members and one fraught with emotion. We were surprised to see a couple of our friends there at the service and were able to personally invite them to some upcoming activities, most immediately our church bar-b-que and dance the evening before Rally Sunday. We took a tour of their facility, duly impressed by their 100+ year history, and learned of their most meaningful possessions and treasures. I hope plans progress but again, such a transition is difficult no matter how 'logical' or 'reasonable.'

Lunch followed with Lisa. I have often said no one could ever have better step-children than I have. Six of them to be exact. Amazing people, each. But I digress. I ate way too much and felt afterward like I should do some sort of penance. I decided it would be back to the fitness center for a substantial workout; I'm still trying to get it that working out for an hour really doesn't undo gazillions of calories. Drat.

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Anyway, that said, I've really come to treasure this wonderful old monastic benediction adapted for reformed use by Eugenia Gamble.

May God bless you with discomfort, at easy answers, half truths and superficial relationships
So that you will live deeply and from the heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and the exploitation of people
So that you will work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who mourn
So that you will reach out your hand to them and turn their mourning into joy.

And may God bless you with just enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world.
So that you will do those things that others say cannot be done.

Amen!