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I call myself a Late Bloomer, or am even known to refer to this change as “living my life backwards.” The real message is never think you know what God is going to do when you try to live your life dedicated to the love of God.
I gave a lot of excuses the past few years as to why I could no longer pursue the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. While ordained in another tradition in England, I was never able to pursue that ministry in the United States, mostly because I worked for the Episcopal Church. I never wanted there to be any graying of the lines or conflict of interest situations, so I kept the two vocations separate. But, I don’t live life in boxes. I love the Episcopal Church, but raising children, remarriage, and caring for parents prevented me from the option to go to seminary. But I stayed and continued to serve in the ways that were open to me.
That was then, this is now. Friends and family began to eliminate my excuses after a while. My age–I have friends older than me pursuing the priesthood. My children have all done growed up! My husband was, “Yes!” before I even asked the question one night at dinner. Little by little, just when I thought this opportunity was over, doors began to open.
I love God, I love this church, and I believe that the Jesus Way is still a radical call to Love that the world has really not grasped. I am not one to judge a thing’s value by numerical data. If ONE person in my lifetime decides to turn to place Christ as the focus of one’s life and truly live this Way of Love, then my ministry will be of value. I am here for a congregation of one or one thousand. In eternity, it is the same value–100% worth it.
So, I hope you follow me as I make this great transition and pray for the bumpy road it is likely to be. Bumpy, but exciting!
Magdalena's Musings 