Mid-Winter Break Report

I don't have much time before leaving for the melanoma doctor.  Let me record some thoughts.

--I am happy that my holiday experience is mostly stress-free (for more, see this post on my theology blog).  Occasionally I do wish I had a few more decorations out.  Yesterday I went over to a neighborhood friend's house for morning coffee, and everywhere I looked was a holiday feast for the eyes.  I reminded myself that the disadvantage to this level of decorating was the need to put everything away at some point.

--It has been a joy to be with the neighborhood church quilters who make quilts for Lutheran World Relief.  My spouse has even worked on some quilt tops, although at home, not in person.

--Today I hope to return to my own hand piecing.  The last few days have felt busy outside of the house, and they have been.

--Three weeks from today I report back to work.  How amazing it has been to have such a long break, even if I am never really completely on a break.  I've done some grading, done some planning for next semester, and of course, my preaching work continues.

--Three weeks from today, I report back to work for a day of faculty workshops, complete with meals.  It's still a joy to me to work at a place that feeds us.  I know that many people are not so lucky:  I am hearing/reading story after story about higher ed financial shortages and cut backs.  I feel so fortunate to be at one of the seemingly rare schools with growing enrollment.

--But is it rare?  Maybe it's just that age old story that good news doesn't make for compelling headlines.

--In addition to feeling grateful, I'm also a bit astonished at how I came to be here.  Three years ago I was still reeling a bit from the news that my seminary housing would be demolished, and we'd all have to move out by summer.  I planned accordingly.  The seminary housing is still not demolished, but I am happy about the outcomes:  I have better jobs that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and we've saved money, and it's been better for my spouse and our marriage to be together than apart. 

--I am feeling grateful and lucky, and I realize how fortunate I am to feel this way.