This is my last month to serve as a full-time stipendiary priest. After September 30, I’ll take six months to discern what God has in store for me next, but I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t mean serving somehow, somewhere as a priest. For today, I am treasuring every day of this very busy September.
My 97 year old mom continues to slowly decline. I came to Chambersville a few days ago to work remotely while I assisted my brother as caregiver.
Today is Sunday, and it is very difficult for my mom to leave home. Worship for a couple of years for this cradle Southern Baptist has been joining the tv worship offered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas. It always blows my mind. Who would have thought?
I love to sit with her and join her for worship. She especially enjoys it when I sing along with the service. Most of the music is very familiar.
During the online distribution of communion, they show the music leaders singing. Today it was “As the deer panteth for the waters,” a song I’ve sung since St. Cuthbert days forty years ago. As I sang along today, my heart went back to those early St. Cuthbert Sundays, and singing it with my hand on my heart from a place of deep yearning.
I do spend an awful lot of time pondering the past these pre-retirement days.
Halfway through communion, my mother needed to go to the bathroom. I assisted her as she got up from her recliner, got situated with her walker, and began the slow, stooped-over walk.
As I walked behind my dear mom, spotting her from a possible fall, I continued to sing. Once again placing my hand over my heart, following slowly behind my precious mother tending to the most basic of needs, I realized that this was a sacred walk. I was having the most Holy Communion one could have.
From Psalm 42
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after you
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
You’re my friend
And You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee
House of Grace 
Love and peace to you, your mom and all of your family.
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Your dear Mom.
And you, walking a holy walk w her.
While you look at a transition of your own.
Thank you for this beautiful message. Praying for your Mom, for you, and for all your family.
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Praying for this grace-filled time with your Mom and your on-going discernment.
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What beautiful words expressing the deep love you have for your family, especially during this time of transition for you and your mom. Prayers for all of you to feel the peace of Christ everyday.
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