Thursday, December 27, 2007

An "Auld Lang Syne" Friday Five

Singing Owl from over at Revgals writes:

It is hard to believe, but 2007 is about to be history, and this is our last Friday Five of the year. With that in mind, share five memorable moments of 2007. These can be happy or sad, profound or silly, good or bad but things that you will remember. Bonus points for telling us of a "God sighting"-- a moment when the light came through the darkness, a word was spoken, a song sung, laughter rang out, a sermon spoke to you in a new way--whatever you choose, but a moment in 2007 when you sensed Emmanuel, God with us. Or more particularly, you.

1) April 16, 2007 was my 50th birthday. I had just started blogging. It was also the day that a student at Virginia Tech killed 32 people, including himself. No matter how much people write about it, I still don't understand it. But I, and others, sensed God-with-us when we witnessed and heard about moments of heroism in the midst of the tragedy, like the professor who stood in the path of bullets so that his students could escape.

2) August 1, 2007, the day the 35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed. The news put the Twin Cities on the map, and got people talking about our infrastructure. Perhaps it will get us talking about building bridges and relationships, instead of tearing them down. I can only hope. And I saw God-with-us in those who jumped into the water to rescue others, who pulled children off of a bus on the edge of the chasm.

3) November 15-18, my husband and I traveled to New York City for a short but memorable trip, where I met fellow-blogger Fran, and saw some of the sights with friends A and D. What was memorable? The Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building...the wonderful diners, and the Jazz Club on Saturday night. We are already hoping to return.


4) April 12, 2007, the day I started my blog! My first post was called Saving Newspapers, and as far as I know, no one read it! Little did I know then what kind of a community I was getting into. I have been privileged to "meet" so many wonderful people.


5) The week in July when we traveled to Albquerque, and especially the moment when I walked into the little chapel in the Old Town Area again after many years. I blogged about it here

God-with-us. When my neice and I crossed Gooseberry Falls together, hand in hand. When a few priests in San Joachin decided to Remain Episcopal. When Splotchy (and many others I don't know) decided to go to New Orleans and build houses. When people gather together in the face of death to worship and to proclaim Christ's resurrection, as has happened so many times in my congregation this year.

16 comments:

Elaine (aka...Purple) said...

Such poignant and wonderful memorable moments. So much need...so much to do...and yet God is working.

CJWille said...

1) Away in a Manger—I heard my song singing this month along with Julie Andrews and I realized the many passages of time this song has encompassed in my life. I was transported to candle lit services and the smell of wax and pine, and the feeling of security in the moment. When I hear it I am fixed tightly, but warmly to an unwavering faith that God is ever present in my life and has been, even at the times I feel most alone and lost.
2) A phone call of desperation to a man I’d met only once—when my employment abruptly ended, I was compelled to call this recruiter and his words of comfort and encouragement were a confirmation that I was where I was supposed to be and doing what I was doing. His willingness to meet me in my moment of panic, was like a visit from the divine and I was brave enough to let him in.
3) Sweet baby head—I no longer have babies (they’re six), but my son crawled up on my lap and did his best to snuggle in (though long arms and legs make this difficult). He said he loved me to heaven and back and I was overwhelmed with what a gift he has been to me. His name (chosen on purpose) means “gift from God.” There is a sweetness to shampoo, but above that I smell him and I could find him in a room of strangers, the bond is that powerful.
4) In my mansion there are many rooms—I sat through the funeral of a friend’s mother in the first of the year in 2007 and heard these words. Another distant relative also lost his mother in July. I sent him a note about feeling orphaned at 67, then in a panic, sought his forgiveness for being too forward and assuming how he must feel. He was not angry, but touched. I truly believe that there is a place waiting for him, me and my other friend, where our loved ones await and where we can finally ask the questions of God that have most troubled us in life and I hope I can understand why bad things happen.
5) Abiding faith—I came closer this year to understanding how in the face of adversity, I still see hope.

Mary Beth said...

Wonderful! I love the Old Town chapel.

RevDrKate said...

Wonderful moments...wonderful reminders too of God in the midst. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Awesome. I am glad you started blogging and became part of this community, you bring inspiration and reminders of God with us!

Barbara B. said...

April 12, 2007: a good day in Blog-land! It's been good to be blog buddies with you!

Diane M. Roth said...

cj -- these are lovely reflections, and I invite you to check out the Revgals site sometime (it's not just for pastors) and play whenever you like!

Lori said...

What a huge year, yes? And we are all blessed by your joining the blogosphere. Nice to get to know you this year!

Rev SS said...

As always, Diane, you have articulated so beautifully! Thanking God for you and your participation in this blog ring!

Jan said...

Dates with your memories--wow! I liked your comment about your first blog--same here, as I started a few months after you. Your wonderful way of expressing your faith and life help me each time I come here. Thanks.

zorra said...

April 16, 2007 was the Scientist's 50th birthday too. From now on that day will always be associated with those who died at Virginia Tech.

I'm glad you started blogging!

Terri said...

I'll add that our poetry parties were fun too, in 2007! I'm grateful to have met you in the blog world. Many blessings for 2008!

Diane M. Roth said...

oh, mompriest, I loved our poetry parties. let's find a way to make them happen again! I wish I wasn't so worried about copyright infringement stuff! There's gotta be a way!

Unknown said...

I am happy to have met you also.

Nina Reeder said...

Thanks for your memories:)

more cows than people said...

so glad you started blogging- can't believe it was less than a year ago! you are such a gifted blogger.

do hope you keep that resolution to write. write. write. write. in 2008.