A pause.

It's days before Thanksgiving; just like every year, I'm swamped with things to do. Kind of unfortunate that it works that way because it makes the holiday seasons even more stressful. Thanksgiving Break is often just the gulp of air before going back under to get everything else squared away.

That's why, even though I have a phonetic transcription to finish before Wednesday and a hundred or so more literary terms to learn and a nine-week-syllabus to finish designing, I'm pausing from it all to write a bit here. (I promise this is different than procrastination! Procrastination was when I suddenly had a strong desire to load the dishwasher instead of sit down with my transcriptions. Ha.)

Because it does happen to be Thanksgiving this week, and I have more than enough to be thankful for to warrant a day off to celebrate them. At this particular moment, I'm feeling warm, well-fed, clean and happy. I'm sitting in my favorite chair, which faces the large slider doors and the falling snow outside. And I'm listening to my favorite Christmas album (City on a Hill: It's Christmas Time) which I've had since middle school --and highly recommend.

And even though it has been a pretty stressful semester, 17 credits and all, but it flew by. I can't believe I have just ten days left of class (and three more of exams)--and then six weeks off! :) Yay for no interim requirements! The MCC Rehoboth, NM trip is right around the corner. A long week of sunshine will surely be a welcome relief after a bleak midwinter.



By the way, I almost forgot to write about the baptism that I witnessed this past Sunday. It was a unique baptism because the little girl's parents requested that water be poured over her while she stood in a metal tub. When I first heard this was the case, I wasn't sure how well it would "work," and it was pretty funny to see her stripped down to a bright bathing suit as one of our pastors described why we celebrate baptism.
But as little Ruthie stood there in the basin, supported by her parents holding each of her hands, head bowed down as the lukewarm water poured over her, it was like seeing baptism for the first time. It was just stunningly beautiful. When she lifted her little head and looked out at us with bright eyes, not making a sound or even looking remotely upset, I wanted to capture that moment.
Pastor Amy stood behind her and gave the blessing, and then her parents wrapped her up in a blanket, and all of her family and friends surrounded them with presence and prayer. Beautiful.
(You can imagine that it wasn't difficult for us, the congregation, to promise to help Ruthie grow up in the Lord! She won all of our hearts!)


Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
OH, and if you haven't, be sure to look at the video posted earlier on my blog! Let it be an inspiration for a relationally-based holiday season. :)


Betsy