At this stage in my life, I’ve found the Contemplative Christian Tradition to be the place where I am most comfortable.  I am in community with people who are learning to accept mystery and uncertainty, where all questions and musings are welcome and where we respect and appreciate the many ways we each seek to be present to The Spirit moving in our lives, in the many ways we all may experience God. 

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For some time now I have been asking myself just what does it mean for me to be a Christ follower? I return again and again to the Gospels, where we see Jesus who“went about doing good and healing.” I read the stories where Jesus reached out to the marginalized people in his community, often disregarding conventions of the day, to extend love toward someone in need.  He also directly confronted the religious leaders of his time, Pharisees, who he said “placed burdens on people greater than they can bear.”  When asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied with the ancient words “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…and to love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love God. Love others.

It’s all about love.

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I’ve been blessed to live many years, recently retiring after a rewarding career as a teacher. During this season in my life, when I am now among the elders in our communities, I am serving as a Spiritual Companion for those who are seeking to deepen their connection with The Divine, God, Mystery, Spirit. Over my lifetime I have known the grief of losing intimate long-time friends and the loss of dreams. Our lives are woven with challenges and struggles, refreshing and loving relationships and beautiful experiences.  Life’s currents have taken me into both beautiful and painful places.  Emmanuel - God is with us.  In the midst of it all, I am grateful for what I believe is God’s presence in my life, sustaining me.  I find meaning and purpose in standing alongside and encouraging people who want to go deeper in their own spiritual soul journeys.