Fondly remembering my service as Friend in Residence at my alma mater seminary, the Earlham School of Religion, in Richmond, Indiana, September 14-19, 2014.  What a rich opportunity to circle back around to a community that changed my life– TWENTY years ago— Wow.  I spoke about my experiences then and now at Common Meal, the weekly lunch gathering of the ESR community, in a presentation I called, “That’s Not What I Expected (Thanks Be).”  Long distance students joined us by video for the talk and Q&A.  Although I’m a little bit goofy and a lot bit vulnerable in this talk, here’s a link to the video:

I instantly loved the current students who shared their hearts and classes, a great art and poetry workshop, beautiful collaborative worship, and a whole lot of one-on-one spiritual direction sessions.  It’s heartening to know leaders are training to offer thoughtful, engaging, and inclusive ministry in a wonderfully wide variety of ways– from prison chaplaincy to poetry writing to spiritual direction, and beyond.  Once again, I felt the joy of such good company.

Last but not least, I thoroughly enjoyed my reconnection with faculty and friends there in Richmond, Indiana.  Dear friend and fellow alum Trayce Peterson even dropped in for a surprise visit!  As always, it’s the relationships I treasure most.