I wakened early this morning, much earlier than usual, especially on a holiday weekend. It was still dark outside, with the sun not expected for a couple of hours. I sprang from my bed, unlike my typical, more gradual approach to greeting the day. My agenda was set, and with my list in hand, I set off with great anticipation, envisioning success in accomplishing my goal. I was psyched! Where did you go, you might ask? I will tell you that it was NOT to any retail establishment. I am avoiding such places today! No, I am in the midst of my own Black Friday “madness” – working on final papers and projects, packing, and reading (or skimming!) materials for my trip to Nova Scotia. I am really looking forward to this opportunity to join with other women in ministry to talk about leadership in a global context. I will admit, though, that the timing of the trip is not the best for me as it falls at the end of the semester and I will miss the final week of classes. When I return, I will have only a few days until all my final semester coursework is due. I want to get as much done today as I can – to relieve the pressure of schoolwork “hanging” over my head so that I can be fully present on this trip. Perhaps now that I have articulated this – again! – my head will be clear enough to get back to the task at hand.

On a side note, though, I did have a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday, visiting with several of my parishioners. My congregation is my “family” here in Ohio and I am grateful for that. In anticipation of my trip, I didn’t go home to Indy this year, but my parents were here to visit me two weeks ago, and we celebrated our Thanksgiving together then.

OK, now I am really going back to the task at hand. J Until next time, peace …