March 2, 2011
My Dear People,
Last week at the annual CEEP (Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes) conference, in Chicago, along with three others from St. Paul's, I attended a whole range of talks and workshops, and heard about all sorts of ministries and programs from around the Church, on everything from "organic stewardship" to "the nature of leadership" to rebuilding the Episcopal cathedral in Port-au-Prince.
I also saw friends from several different chapters of my life, including two close friends from seminary.
And, a very happy and total surprise: an uncle of mine was there. (He's the treasurer of his church.)
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And Jim and I had supper one night. Though we were in a cavernous ballroom, with commotion and noise all around us, there was something very intimate, quiet, and calm about the meal we shared. Even something Eucharistic, I'd say.
Over the next several days at the conference, when we'd cross paths, I would get excited all over again and run up and hug Jim, and we would laugh together each time.
In between catching up on the latest happenings in one another's lives (Fin calling for "Papa!!!!," and then, on Jim's side, a grandson whose now over six feet tall), I found my mind drifting back to scenes from over the years, our two families together (playing "army" with Jim's son, my cousin James, which involved hurling many a dirt clod; and, years later, seeing James go off to and return from combat in Afghanistan).
And, through all those years, Jim has always exuded such kindness. (He has a smile you just can't beat. And he is one of those people who actually has a twinkle in his eye.)
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So then, in Chicago, I was reminded of the transformative impact that can come from inspired vision and concerted action, from big plans and big programs. I was also reminded how, finally, if anything matters, it's relationships. And the moments shared in those relationships. The rest grows from there; the visions grow from there; life grows from there.
Your brother in Christ,
Wallace+
