where shall we go…

If you had told me, almost thirty years ago, when Jim and I were first married, that I would join the Catholic Church and that Jim would study to become a Deacon, I would have laughed out loud.

I guess that’s why God doesn’t let us see too far into the future. Not that He doesn’t appreciate a good joke…but most of us would dig our heals in and try to go our own way.

It has taken every one of those married years and most of the ones before them, to get me to where I am in my life…and more importantly, in my faith.

So this blog will be about that journey, the things that brought us here and the new road we are traveling as we begin to attend the Deaconate Formation. It’s an exciting time for Jim and me. And, truth be told, it’s a little scary. But, with much support and prayers, I expect us to persevere.

Let me stress one point: Jim is the one studying to become a deacon. This will be my observations as I attend classes and study alongside of Jim.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

I’m not sure I’d want to change anything, seeing as it’s brought us to this point. But at a time in our lives when we expected to slow down and ease into retirement quietly, it certainly is changing the ending.

And so, the journey begins. On September 8, we meet for the first time since receiving a letter from Bishop Braxton, welcoming us into the Deaconate Program. We ask for your prayers and support, your understanding as our free time becomes even more precious, and your encouragement.

I pray that God uses me to be a source of support and encouragement to Jim and that I am able to be healthy enough to attend each class.

Thank you for your prayers that have gotten us to this point…and thank you for the prayers to come. With God’s strength and love, we pray that the next five years be ones of discernment, healing, learning and growing.

In John 6, some of Jesus’ disciples, after hearing him speak, leave Jesus and go back to their old lives. Jesus says to the Twelve, “Will you also go away?’ Simon Peter answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Father in Heaven, you sent your son, to teach and show us the way to you. As we begin this journey, may we always remember Peter’s words…where shall we go? It is you who has everything we need. Thank you for blessing us with this opportunity. And thank you for our church families and their support. Amen.