On retreat

Ah, the question: should one be blogging when one is on retreat? I am not sure of that answer but if you enjoy writing and if writing helps you understand what is happening during your retreat then I would say, yes, it is okay to blog. Of course, if writing is something that causes you dismay, then by no means should you write when on retreat! I am keeping a journal while away and am enjoying drawing pictures of what I see as I journal. 

I am on retreat at a Benedictine monastery just outside of Indianapolis with 20 other clergy women from around the country - of all different denominations. Right now we are having a directed retreat "Come to the Waters" where we reflect our thirst - what is it we thirst for? Take that question to prayer - what is it you thirst for? How will you quench that thirst? The thirst for God seems to be endless - I see it even in the sisters who are part of this community; women of prayer who still yearn to be filled with God's spirit. 

Today I find myself caught up in a poem by Emily Dickinson:

A not admitting of the wound

Until it grew so wide

That all my Life had entered it.

To know how we are wounded and to be able to be healed is such an important part of our faith. Part of our prayers. May Christ be with you today.

Patti+

Many thanks to Bill Smith for helping us put a small fence around our back lawn so that our dogs will have a place to play. Bill also made the most beautiful gate - come by the rectory to see it....

Easter Saturday

It is a rainy morning and yet I just spent time in the church with the altar guild women and still feel warmed by the many beautiful plants that fill the church with their bright colors. It is a sign that Easter will be here this evening as we celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter with the Vigil. There are a few differences this year - we were not able to put up the shelves for the plants in the front corners of the sanctuary and that has caused some consternation. I understand that; something that was lovely won't be there this year and yet, we will experience something new and that can be good, too.

It has been a blessed three days so far - last night's Good Friday service with the chanting of the Passion was amazing. It was the first time in five years where I have felt I too was worshipping on this most holy of days. When Kate and I went in the darkness to the chapel to retrieve the blessed sacrament it felt as if we would have one more chance of comfort before we were alone, without Christ. 

What then is there? How often do we who have faith even think of the "not having"? We are so blessed to have the knowledge that Christ is risen and that he is present in our hearts and our lives today - every day. 

I send each of you warm Easter greetings and look forward to saying Alleluia! with you tonight.

Rev. Patti+