December 8 – Beautifully Different
Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

The things that make me different make me “beautiful?” Um. I’m not really into this prompt. It’s a little too… yeah. that.

I am who I am. I’m not plastic, political or a kiss-up. It gets me in trouble. It also is what drives my heart for people who are hurting and need encouragement. I believe that there are times where we all need someone who can help us through a rough patch. Mostly, I want to live out the Call on my life… which may necessitate breaking a few molds along the way.

December 9 – Party
What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

Oh dear. This is possibly hard to believe, but I’m not much of a partier any more. I’d rather sit and talk… hanging out in the back yard or around the table, talking about nothing and everything.

Probably the best experience was having people over to celebrate my graduation. It was fun to be with people whom I care about and are a part of my life’s journey. The food was great, the beer was hand-picked by Bearded Brewer, and the friends were all over the house. It poured rain so we didn’t get to be outside very much… but the “indoor cabana” we created in the garage made it a fun experience after all. People from so many streams of my life — church, CBS, Emmaus, the neighborhood, Tai Chi — they all came, mingled, laughed, talked and made it a wonderful day.

In the end, the party wasn’t as much about me as it was about life in community — with friends and family.

December 10 – Wisdom
What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

The decision to move into a year-long CPE residency… even though there are moments that I just want to drop-kick particular individuals (who may or may not read this blog…) It made me realize that I am a chaplain at heart, even when it’s difficult, I know I’m doing what I need to do. And I also discovered that I can mentor and encourage others and give them the confidence to go be themselves in the work and ministry of chaplaincy. The pay is abysmal and the hours are terrible, but it’s a work I love.

The decision is actually still playing out so we will have to see how God leads for my next steps.