Merry-Go-Round, One Year Later

Another year has come full circle, and I am farther along on the path toward UU ministry. I read the above post, and think about it differently now, more gently.

Yes, the path is not a straight shot, but every wandering loop is a chance to scoop up great armfuls of experience. Those who march in lock-step miss out when they wear blinders to every interesting option to the left or right.

I've learned a lot in the last year, followed passions I might not otherwise have had time for. Did some grass-roots organizing about legislation permitting the sale of raw milk here in Alaska. Read and read and read about food and farm issues. Got swept up in the incredible political drama of this year's presidential election. Volunteered. Gave money. Went to rallies. Brought salad to campaign workers who were eating nothing but pizza.

I found myself gradually becoming more involved in the Anchorage fellowship. I took more leadership in our small group, becoming the person who reminded folks when we were meeting and what we were talking about. I preached several times at the fellowship. I was asked to be on the Committee on Ministry...and now find myself chairing the committee.

I invited three other UU friends to join me in supporting a local CSA. And every Tuesday throughout this past summer the four of us met on my front deck to divide up two shares worth of local vegetables. Built some good community.

I learned how to use Facebook, and re-connected with family members, and friends from high school, college and seminary.

Do I wish I were further along? Yes. Do I wish I was being paid to do what I love? Yes, absolutely yes. Have I learned a lot? Yes.

It's all true. Every last messy, curvy bit of it.