Friday, August 17, 2007

Exhausted


There were two hundred people at B's funeral this morning, and the luncheon afterwards. Just a few of us went to the cemetery for the committal service at about 2:30. We read Philippians 4:4-8 (her favorite Bible passage), Psalm 23, and Matthew 14:22-32. In between the funeral service and the committal I wrote about a page of my Sunday sermon (called "Everybody talks about the weather..."). After the committal, I wrote about another paragraph, typed some random notes, and hit the wall. I had a meeting in the late afternoon, wrote the Sunday prayers (so far) and went home.


Yesterday I promised my Husband that I would cook supper tonight. But as I left the church, I knew that wasn't going to happen. So when I walked in the door, I said, "I'm tired. Let's go out to eat" and he said "Ok." He also said his mother called and said that "It was the best funeral service she had ever been to" (or words to that effect.) (His parents are members of my church). "She really said that?" "Words to that effect."


I fixed Scout's supper -- really predictable: rice, egg and ground turkey. After sitting around for awhile longer, we headed out to a local eating establishment: the kind of non-trendy place that is not too busy on a Friday evening.


In the parking lot we saw two members of my church. They were just leaving. One of them called out "What about that Bible study you were going to have this summer?" I was going to lead another No Experience Necessary Bible Study, but the Senior Pastor and I collaborated on one we wrote together, and I didn't have time for both.


We went in and sat down, ordered a couple of burgers. I looked over at a table across the way, and recognized another member of the church -- or at least a regular visitor. She's Episcopalian. I'm not sure if she has actually joined or not.


The parking lot woman came back. She said, "I'm sorry if I sounded critical. I just really needed that kind of Bible study this summer. I know you are busy." I said I would be sure to have a new Bible study in the fall -- and that she could stop in to talk any time, if she wanted to.


I was really hungry when I came in, but I could barely finish my burger. I did anyway. The woman from the other table came up to me and said, "Thank you for recognizing my face." Suddenly I remembered her name, and introduced her to my husband. "That made my day," she said. Mine too.


"Where do you know her from?" Husband asked. "Church," I answered. "Does she know you well?" "No." I paused. "Well, maybe she does. After all, there are 1500 of them, and only one of me."


At home, Husband showed me something else Scout can understand. He said, "pretty soon," and she went to the front window and looked out. He explained: "that's because I tell her 'she'll be home pretty soon.'"


Smart dog.


I'll be going to bed -- pretty soon, I think.

12 comments:

Law+Gospel said...

May you find some peace and refreshment "pretty soon." Your post pointed out some of the pro's and con's of public ministry.

DogBlogger said...

"Pretty soon..." Oh, how cute!

Ours know "coming over" in much the same way.

(Wonderful non-dog-related stories on this one, too, by the way! I like all your stories, Scout or no Scout.)

Lori said...

What a smart dog. And what a blessed and full day for you!! Rest well.

Katherine E. said...

Blessings on your ministry, Diane. I hope you can "sabbath" a bit tomorrow (or some time very soon).

Barbara B. said...

At the risk of repeating myself... I want to attend your church!! And that is soooo cute about Scout!

Magdalene6127 said...

What a sweet post, Diane. Deep affirmations of your ministry, your family life... a satisfying day, it sounds like, if exhausting. Thank you for sharing.

Peace,

Mags

kim-d said...

Husband, Scout, a good burger. What more could an exhausted pastor want. I think sometimes "we"--those of us who sit in the pews--forget that you also get to have a part of your life that does not involve us. At least not face-to-face. You do a great bible study, though! Hehe. I'm going to try to be one of those sitting in the pews tomorrow; badly needed.

Lindy said...

What a great post... and in our praise of Scout let's not forget that it was the very smart husband who taught her to do that. Kudos to you all.

Lindy

David said...

Rest a bit, you've earned it.

Rev SS said...

Wonderful post. Hope you got some much-deserved rest. Glad you have such a great husband and dog.

Speaking of animals, my cat, Samantha, responds to "time to vacuum" by running under the bed.

Pastor Eric said...

Take care and relax in the loving arms of God.

Ann said...

Out of all the lovely things you wrote, "pretty soon" touched my heart the most. Knowing that your dog looks for you when you'll be coming is just a sweet, sweet thing.