There is a classic dream of embarrassment in the psychology literature. The dreamer is in a public place or about to walk on stage when suddenly he realizes that he is naked. The clergyperson’s version of the naked dream goes something like this: she stands in the entryway of the church, the first chords of the procession are playing, and the preacher realizes that she has no sermon prepared. No papers, no note cards, no text in the pulpit. She realizes that in less than twenty minutes, she will stand in that pulpit and have only her experience, decades-old seminary education and random thoughts to get her through.
A week ago Sunday, I left for California for a visit with my son and his wife. After a wonderful time of relaxing and hiking Yosemite, we delivered my husband to LAX for his return trip home, and I went on to Anaheim for the ten days of the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. So the version of the embarrassment dream I had was this: I arrive at the Anaheim Marriot for Convention, open my suitcase, and find shorts, t-shirts with goofy sayings on them and a Yankees cap instead of a suit, skirts and clerical shirts and collars. Fast-forward to Newark Liberty Airport, where Ted disembarks from Continental flight 16 with my suitcase full of proper convention attire.
I am happy to tell you that I (and my luggage) arrived in Anaheim without incident. Today is the first legislative session of the Convention. The past two days were full of learning the routine and becoming oriented to the layout of the land (The Convention Center flanked by the two hotels used for lodging as well as committee hearings and meetings).
As a first-time Deputy, I am the newbie -- a different role for me which challenges my normal mode of operation. I am excited to be here and looking forward to debate, conversation and worship. But first I have to put behind me the experience of being stuck between floors in the elevator (only for about ten minutes) and juggle the meetings and sessions with the need to eat lunch.
A week ago Sunday, I left for California for a visit with my son and his wife. After a wonderful time of relaxing and hiking Yosemite, we delivered my husband to LAX for his return trip home, and I went on to Anaheim for the ten days of the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. So the version of the embarrassment dream I had was this: I arrive at the Anaheim Marriot for Convention, open my suitcase, and find shorts, t-shirts with goofy sayings on them and a Yankees cap instead of a suit, skirts and clerical shirts and collars. Fast-forward to Newark Liberty Airport, where Ted disembarks from Continental flight 16 with my suitcase full of proper convention attire.
I am happy to tell you that I (and my luggage) arrived in Anaheim without incident. Today is the first legislative session of the Convention. The past two days were full of learning the routine and becoming oriented to the layout of the land (The Convention Center flanked by the two hotels used for lodging as well as committee hearings and meetings).
As a first-time Deputy, I am the newbie -- a different role for me which challenges my normal mode of operation. I am excited to be here and looking forward to debate, conversation and worship. But first I have to put behind me the experience of being stuck between floors in the elevator (only for about ten minutes) and juggle the meetings and sessions with the need to eat lunch.
Cathy, I hope your week goes well. Being stuck in the elevator would have finished it for me! God Bless You!
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