Getting My Legs Back Under Me

A little over a year ago I had to say goodbye to my furry companion Bella, a large black Lab mix with a gentle soul and a need to be outside each and every day! Bella was my first Lab mix that ever liked water, so not only did we walk 3-4 times a day, but in the summer we had to get to Lake Superior for a quick dip. As a result, I was walking 12-15,000 steps a day which was certainly good for me. We went 365 days a year - hot or cold!



At the same time I lost Bella I also went through my cancer treatment (I am cancer free and doing well!) as well as leaving the congregation I served for 9 years and the house I loved. I was heading toward a sabbatical year, but things were not going as planned. As a result, my stride was thrown off and I have lived this past year feeling as if I was walking drunk - a little to the side, some backward and yet forward progress as well. I could not seem to find the right stride and I was unwilling to let go of the vision I had had of what the year was supposed to look like. As a result I had a great year but it wasn't what I expected and I didn't get done what I had promised myself I would do! That left me frustrated and unclear about moving forward.

Then one day a switch flipped with the help of some people in my life. First, I physically got my feet back under me by listening to the advice of my trainer, John. He has kept after me to not only work out but to eat better and to get walking. I finally did - by walking to my workout! It's about 1.2 miles and with every step I loosen up my body and my mind. It feels good to walk again and I have continued to do so even on the days I don't work out by walking to the park close to my house and enjoying my time outside. I find I need that as much as the walking.

Just recently, as I was given the new assignment to pastor at Faith United Methodist Church in Eyota, MN, I had an epiphany with the help of my life coach. I was lamenting the end of my sabbatical before it was really over and thinking I needed more time. As she asked me questions I realized I had been stuck - stuck with the vision I had created for myself, not with the reality. The reality is that I was causing my own frustration because I didn't stop to realize that I am happier than I have been in years! I am looking forward to meeting the people of the Faith UMC and getting to know the area, I have had an unbelievably wonderful year with my family and friends, and I am feeling healthy and ready for whatever lies ahead.

I just had to LET GO! Let go of what should have been and embrace what has been and what will be. I now have my feet firmly beneath me once again. I don't have the answers of what all the future will hold, and I still have lots to do (like finishing my next book!) but My legs are beneath me, they are strong, and they are ready to walk into my future. It feels good to let go, as it frees me to enjoy NOW. I can't ask for more than that.

When Opportunity Knocks

There are so many kinds of opportunities around us. What we see as opportunities depends upon our interests, our dreams and our commitments.  Sometimes we work hard for opportunities and other times they can fall into our laps.  They can be big or small, scary or easy, but when opportunity knocks are your ready?

I find that I am always interested in opportunities and I tend to leap at them before I look! One such leap found me this week being the guest Chaplain at the Minnesota Senate giving the opening prayer! When I was given the opportunity by Rev. Mary Kitchell at Silver Lake United Methodist Church to sign up for the chance to do this, I didn't hesitate because I knew it would be a great experience.

That was months ago, and I heard nothing until last week. I then received a phone call asking if I was available to present the opening prayer this week.  Again, leaping I immediately agreed and I was so excited about doing this! I believe in the work of our government and this would be a time to merge my interest with my work.

Everything was great until the night before I was to give the prayer. Then the reality of what I had agreed to suddenly hit me! I would be in front of the senators - I needed a prayer that would be applicable to all faiths and I would have to look my best so there was no distraction from what I was to do.  That's when all the self-doubts hit - what in the world was I thinking? I don't have anything to wear, I don't know what to say and I hate walking into these kinds of situations alone.  But there was no backing out.

I had invited my niece to attend earlier in the day but she had another appointment. So, at 9 p.m. I texted my sister Robyn and thankfully she was able to accompany me so at least I didn't have to feel so alone. (She got the royal treatment so it was a good day for us both!) Pulling myself together I finished the prayer, got dressed and headed to the capitol.

What followed was one of the highlights of my year! I hadn't been in the capitol since its remodel so we walked around seeing the stunning architecture which helped to calm the nerves.



Finally, I entered the Senate chamber and was greeted by the Sargent-at-Arms and taken to the front where I was given instruction about the timing of my prayer and the protocol for the beginning of the day.  I sat for a bit in the retiring room where I was greeted by all who saw me.  I then had my photo taken with Sen. Chuck Wiger who represents my area before getting ready to pray.

When the time came I was ready and my nerves gone.  After all, I do know how to pray! I prayed with a sure voice, shook hands with the President of the Senate, and said goodbye to Sen. Wiger. For all of it's one minute in length the prayer gave me inspiration and a sense of awe. What things can happen when we open ourselves to opportunities!

When I was done with my work I felt invigorated, and I was ready to try another adventure. Each time I take an opportunity and complete it I feel more complete and less doubting of who I am as a person.  That feeling returns soon enough but  as long as I keep taking advantage of opportunities I continue to grow and continue to get the best of life I can.

If you haven't tried leaping in a while, I recommend it!