Takin' the long way

There's a song by the Dixie Chicks that I've found myself singing lately. It's from their CD "Takin' the Long Way." The words to the title song go something like this:

My friends from high school
Married their high school boyfriends
Moved into houses in the same ZIP codes
Where their parents live

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

I've been working on the next chapter of my life and I realize that what I'm about to embark on is not really unlike the rest of my life thus far. 

I've never followed the crowd. I've always taken the long way.

That means I've never had a lot of money - probably never will - and, that's okay. I've always seem to have what I've needed and my needs are pretty simple.

I've never really wanted for the basics in life for myself and our family - food on the table, a warm roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, a good education.

Oh, I've had "jobs" that I didn't really love and others that weren't exactly satisfying and none of them paid very well, but I've always moved on to the next thing which was usually better than what I left - at least, initially.

I have been - and, am - very blessed.

I have no reason to believe that I won't continue to be blessed as I move forward out of a sabbatical year and into a future that is not exactly traditional.

Most of my clergy friends who begin collecting their pensions immediately embark on a series of interim ministries in congregations in transition.

I couldn't imagine it! I mean, in many ways, I loved many of the parts of parish ministry. I can't imagine being any place else on Sunday morning than in church. But, it's really wonderful not to be "the rector" and be ministered to in Word and Sacrament.

One of my colleagues said that he was "just an old race horse". He said, "I put my collar on and I'm off. Truth is," he said, "I really don't know what else to do."

And then, he sighed and said, "And, with my pension being what it is, I really need the extra money."

I'm sure he's good at what he does. I'm sure he still makes an important contribution to the congregations he serves in their transition. I think he even likes what he does, once he gets to church on Sunday morning.

Still, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the sadness in his voice. No passion. No enthusiasm. What was once a 'fire in the belly' is now a few smoldering embers.

I can't imagine it!

What I'm coming to love is working with Vestries on leadership development, facilitating conversations and mentoring them on what it means to be a Servant Leader. I'm really feeling called to this work and am amazed by the hunger most Vestry folk have to learn more about what it means to be in leadership in the Church.

I've facilitated a few "Mutual Ministry Review" processes and found it an excellent way to raise awareness and insights and provide information about the ministry and mission of the church. It helps to empower both the laity and clergy to discern what it is God is calling them to do and be in their lives of faith.  It helps to clarify roles and expectations and begins to level the playing field which has the potential to liberate everyone to do the work of the Gospel. When done well, it's a lot of work, but I think it's critically important to a healthy congregation and sound leadership.

I'm also loving even more being involved in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction, listening for The Holy in people's stories, holding up a mirror to let them see what I see, working with them to rekindle or bringing into clearer focus an awareness of the fullness and mystery of life.

And, leading retreats and educational programs in congregations about topics their rectors can't - or won't - because it would get him or her in hot water.

You know, doing the best parts of parish ministry without the headaches of being a rector.

Oh, and writing. Yes, I've heard some of you. I am going to "write that book" - although, for the life of me I don't understand why anyone would pay good money to read in a book what they've already read most of for free on my blog.  I also feel called - well, more "pushed and shoved" to do that.

So, I've spent the last few weeks looking at office space and deciding on a name for it (I guess I'm a lot like the ancient Hebrews. Every holy place has to have a name). I've designed a business card and selected a logo and a motto ("Awakening the fullness and mystery of life").

I'm working with a colleague to design a website with links that describes the various services I'll be offering (that's the hard part). I haven't yet determined the fee scale. Let's just say I'm going to need a whole lot of foot traffic to make this little enterprise lucrative. Good thing that's not my goal.

I've even selected a piece of scripture to put on my card and website. It's Sirach 26:10. Just the citation of scripture, is all. Folks can look it up if they want.

Go ahead. Look it up for yourself. Okay, okay, I'll tell you:

"Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter
or else, when she finds liberty, she will use it."

I thought that was fair warning.

If you consider the fact that I've been humming a song from The Dixie Chicks, that I chose that piece of scripture won't come as much of a surprise. Here's how the song ends:

Well, I fought with a stranger and I met myself
I opened my mouth and I heard myself
It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself
Guess I could have made it easier on myself

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
If you ever want to find me I can still be found

Taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around

Oh, there's still a part of me that wishes I could fit into the whole 'corporate America' scheme of things and could have "moved with the shakers and kissed all the asses that they told me to." I could probably have made a ton of money. God knows, there are still places in the church where that can - and does - happen.

But I, I could never follow.

So, off I go then, on another adventure into the Great Unknown. I hear Jesus calling me and I can feel a gentle push from the Holy Spirit at my back. I've got some fire in my belly, a dream in my heart and a song in my head.

What more do I need?

Well, a few prayers from y'all wouldn't hurt. You know. Just a few "arrow prayers" shot this way every now and again. Whenever you have a few seconds.

Indeed, I think it's the only other thing I've ever really needed when I journey on the path that is the long way 'round.

It may be all any of us need whenever we seek to "awaken the fullness and mystery of life".

It's gotten me to where I am today, and, you know, I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey now.