This will be the second time attending these particular sessions, and it looks as if I will run into fellow Quaker-blogger Kody... but will miss Conservative Friend and Quaker-blogger Marshall, as he approaches Baltimore Yearly Meeting territory at the end of his trek.
During Meeting for Worship today, I spent some time recognizing that I had found yet another way to put myself in the center of my Quakerism: I had caught myself imagining having all my high expectations about IYM(C) met simply because I had had such a good time last year... because I had ZERO expectations last year.
I was making IYM(C) be all about ME: Would I have such a good time again? Who would I see there? What new people would I meet there? Would I enjoy the singing as much? Would the business sessions be as grounded in worship as they had been last year?
Would I come away from sessions being a better Friend, a better Conservative Friend...?
What I need to be doing is putting God in the center:
What will God ask of me?I'll let you know how it goes when I return.
How might I be of service?
What will help me stay open and attentive to the gentle promptings of the Spirit, despite the busyness of the sessions, so that I might be a faithful servant?
Blessings,
Liz
I will be holding Iowa Yearly Meeting in the Light this week!! Enjoy the Tuesday night presentation--I met both the girls at WGYF and they are both great people!
ReplyDeleteI still hope you have a great trip and that you come back feeling like you have learned to be a better Friend - however God may define that for you.
ReplyDeleteHey, Robin and Lovin' Life Liz--
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes. I just hope I can survive the near-100 degree heat! Maybe that'll be enough... smile
Blessings,
Liz
Liz, I hope you are nourished in mind, heart and soul by your time at our yearly meeting, and that you are given many opportunities to be serviceable there.
ReplyDeleteAnd I look forward to your report when you return. Oh, be generous in your reporting!