THREE

S U M M E R

To some my sabbatical has always been seen as an extended holiday,

rather than an extended study leave.

Frustrating, but I know the value of what I'm doing.

Even so, summer is here and summer is on the mind.

Too much time on the hands can be a challenge.

So proud of the positive choices of my kids.

And yet our mystery harassers get a 'royal mounted' motivator.

Homework is done for us all.

And I'm the only one going to summer school.

In only a few weeks, all will have been accomplished!

FOUR

T I M E

Z O N E S

It was a capital idea for me to attend Worship Matters 2009.

Not only was it nicely practical for my field of study,

but it got me thinking backwards as well as forwards.

This was not a familiar crowd: a bit unexpected

I am used to seeing the same people, it seems.

And yet each day, another stranger was recognized.

Actually it was me they noticed, most often.

But one in particular, went back a while.

Back to when Father's Day counted and ... when it ended.

And yet now, I saw the forest and the trees.

Half a lifetime ago. Remembering hope and sorrow.

All the while singing:

Laughter runs across my pain, slips away and comes again.

(A privilege to hear in the first person.)

Whipped by wind, yet still afloat!

I will miss my kids tomorrow.

This was not wise planning.

And yet, I hope, still, that this time has mattered.

I am in a good place and I see good places ahead.

Nothing stands still: which is always true in a quantum universe.

Let's just admit that we are dancing!

Hallelujah! Amen!

FIVE

I T

M A T T E R S

The prospect of finishing up at College is a nostalgic reminder

of how I got to where I am.

When I imagine how it will look and feel,

it is 20 years ago in my mind.

Homework feels good.

Reviewing a "year in the life" touches both

the personal and the professional.

I love the reading and the prospect of presenting.

Almost lost in my thoughts is what is coming much sooner.

Workshops on Worship were the first of my plans.

Very soon, I will be putting that capital to work.

When this sabbath is over, this is what will Matter.

Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.

SIX

D O W N H I L L

Month number six has arrived unannounced.

Usually June follows an obvious spring:

but the bees buzzed in the blossoms just last week.

The leaves are finally full

and the first crop of dandilions has harvested.

This time of rest is ticking away,

even with the most formal parts to come

on the downhill portion of the course.

June comes with study schedules and outlines

and homework (for others and for me).

I find myself reflecting on the reality of winding down.

Down is an appropriate word: it brings a sadness.

I am having to chase away the August plans

from my head and my heart.

This moment counts, like no other.