The Best

I am lucky to serve a great Unitarian Universalist Congregation as one of their Religious Educators. It's good work. But it's a lot of work. A lot. My to do list of work for the summer looks like it should roll out across the floor on papyrus. And I don't think I would even bother learning the new entry code to our rented space or to compile the mind numbing statistics for the long range planning committee if it weren't for this amazing group of women I work with.

They are the best.

We've had a number of incarnations of the Religious Education Committee that then transitioned to a Religious Education Council. We've had people without kids and males and board liaiaons. It was all good. But for the last few years our REC has been pretty homogeneous. All women, all with kids in the program. All one side or the other of 40. And they are a powerhouse. They are leaders and movers and shakers. They could pick up and go make a church plant that would be wildly successful. But they don't want to do that, they just want so stay here and make phenomenal ministry to and with children, youth and families. And know what? That's just what they do.

Here are my favorite things about the REC I work with:

• They take time to care about each other. Our check-ins are long and we share deeply each month, but that's just what makes the group so powerful. Of COURSE they'll gladly give blood, sweat and tears for each other! They care.
• Last month when we were planning our summer meetings someone said "well in July we always go out for dinner instead of our regular meeting" it had happened once before, but it was really good! That's recognizing a tradition when you see it! Excellent.
• The planned meeting for next month just wasn't going to work for too many people. When we were planning a re-do of the dates the deciding factor for who would host was who was going to have a new puppy in the house. We need joy in our lives, and what can be more joyful than a new puppy? Priorities--check!

I love these folks. Just love them. And my list that rolls across the floor and out the door would never feel possible to even start much less complete if it were not for them. Nope.

Help me say a good prayer for these good folks......thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.

and

Thank You!

Amen.