On The Eve of New Beginnings

Technically new beginnings are all around us. The BIG one is tomorrow morning, bright and early. But not as bright and early as all of Guilford County. Praise The Lord.

Kindergarten is here and we are all packed up and ready to go. Surprisingly, none of us are THAT nervous. But I must say that my heart wants to burst with excitement. We met Lucy’s new teacher, assistant and librarian at the open house and I think all of her fears were eased.

We hope they weren’t eased too much. We have already started bribing her with a sushi dinner on Friday if she keeps it on the green all week. Today’s Sunday School teacher told me that they all discussed how much they love sushi as part of class. So I hope the incentive works. And that natural jitters will help, too.

This morning, Lucy hopped up and ran to front of the church to participate in Pastor Lia’s ordination at Wake Forest Baptist Church. Lucy has never visited Wait Chapel, but she participated without hesitation. I hope that’s a great sign of things to come. Lia shared that she was friends with Lucy from Washington, DC. Many people were impressed that we had traveled from so far away. I am so thankful that our commute to church would not be THAT far. And I am so grateful to have Lia close by.

When the church voted Lia in three weeks ago, there were fist pumps and cheers. The congregation is so happy to have her. On my drive home that day, I thought it is amazing that Lia found them and vice versa. Then I thought maybe Lia is here to be my pastor, too. All three of Lia’s sermons directly addressed what I had been thinking about the week before. This week’s focus/Lia’s message: practice self-compassion.

So here’s to new beginnings: kindergarten, time alone with Oliver, Henry’s third year of teaching, visiting a new church, a new commission of fifteen pieces, the (almost) healing of my shoulder pain, and practicing self-compassion.

Diane Gross shared the following prayer in the class Alchemy of the Heart, which I took last weekend:

May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." …
Saint Terese of Liseaux
Peace.