Posted by kat on March 06, 2005 at 14:13:55:
In Reply to: Thanks posted by PS on March 06, 2005 at 13:10:57:
You shouldn't be embarrassed by any of it, and the 50 thing was just my attempt at interjecting a little humor into it, I didn't mean to reduce your thoughts and emotions into one simple explanation, Or even make light of such a milestone. What I really wanted to do was come give you a big hug, which I will do as soon as I get a chance to get out there! : )
: Thank you for the very kind words, Kat, Bill, Ryan, John, John, Paula, Chris, Tommy, Ken, Dan, Jeff, Terry, Carol, Trish, Sarah, Marcos... (I probably forgot someone...sorry!) See, I said I wouldn't name names. I lied. Thank you, good friends.
: I am now a bit embarassed about the whole thing...
: Yes Kat, I suppose turning 50 is relevant, but I think that it is likely a catalyst for something deeper that is happening. The things that Bill was saying--those precious things God gave us were solid symbols and proofs of God's working in our lives and His pleasure in us. And you know these truths were gifts God gave US, not me. They were real and powerful to all of us, and others were powerful vehicles for God to reveal Himself to me! For instance, I learned a great deal about forgiveness from Bill--though he would always portray it the other way around! ;-)
: I guess more than anything I want to see that power working in all of our lives, to know that it is not something of a past era, to know that the same promise is still living and active and just within the veil--if we will reach again to find it. Maybe I am finally realizing that I cannot just teach religion in a secular environment without some kind of activity in a group united in faith and spiritual power (the non-rational kind not verifiable by any scientific method). Perhaps my ultimate direction in my scholarly endeavors is not what it once was. I want to live the end of my life in an ongoing miracle, not just remembering the former miracles (however awesome they once were). I am praying for what God has in store...