Confessions

"For it is by giving that one receives;

It is by self-forgetting that one finds;

It is by forgiving that one is forgiven;

It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life."

- St.Francis of Assisi

I have a small talent. I play the flute. And in the last couple of years I have played with my church choir on Sundays and Holidays. It took me a little while to get over playing up there. My hands used to shake so bad it was a wonder I could play at all. I even managed to squeak on the poor thing (actually a very difficult feat considering how the flute is made, still don't know how I managed it). But the choir director stuck it out with me. She has been really great and supportive, becoming a friend. They have all become friends.

The last couple of months have been really busy for my little clan. Summer activities with the kids, family craziness, work, and a tragedy have kept me from rehearsals. And Sunday mornings became an opportunity to sleep in.

Well, yesterday my husband finally got us all in gear and off to church. I knew he was serious about going because he did all the hard work of getting the kids clean and dressed while I took a shower. Kind of lolly gagged my way along.

See, I dreaded facing the choir.

They show up every Wednesday and rehearse for Sunday. Sometimes for hours, especially before Christmas and Easter. And here I took the summer off. I slept in, and they came to church. I don't know what I expected, but what I got floored me.

As I walked into to church with my family I didn't get angry stares, or ignored. I was waved into the choir box. There were smiles and hugs and updates on every one's lives. And I was encouraged to come back. I was still wanted. I still belonged. I was missed.

It just felt so good to be wanted. Not only for my "talent", but for me.

And I got that feeling in the second best place possible - church. (I'm always wanted with my family at home, which is really THE BEST place to feel wanted)

Feeling very blessed today. I have a lot to be thankful for.


Crane Update: (code name for the creative mediation I do)

The Strippy Guy looks to be about half way done. I guess it really depends now on how much afghan I want to swamp my friend with. I have been known to go a little over board on the size of these things.

If all goes according to plan (has that ever happened in my life?), the cranes start their journey to Hiroshima today!

Be seein' ya! Peace!