there is no "i" in team

But there is an "i" in gratitude! And just breathe these babies in:

Identity * Imagination * Intelligence * Ideas * Innocence * Inclusiveness * Ingenuity * Information * Intimacy * Integrity * Ice cream * Iris * Internet * Income * Iona * Independence * Intuition * Inventiveness * Incense * Ivy * Illustrations * Inspiration * Icons * Inquisitiveness * Inver_____ (ary, ness, etc.) *

I recall my early days in seminary being aware of a sense of exile (not in a bad way, understand). I was removed from the external things that were a part of my identity, leaving me, in a sense, to form a new one. I was no longer: at my job, worshiping with my parish family, living in my home, caring for my dog, near my family, dancing with my local dance group, tending a garden, immersed in a quilting project ... You get the idea. Because I was in a new and pretty exciting (if not intimidating!) world it took a while for the losses of those things that were part of who I was to be felt at a penetrating level, but in time the accumulation of those losses hit me. Again, this was not a bad thing, and the awareness of my reshaping was an important part of my ongoing spiritual and personal formation. That awareness has helped me recognize and be sensitive to that type of transition in others.

Imagination and ideas help me to spin storylines in my head for potential novels (oh, if only I had the discipline!), fabric projects, theme parties (I don't generally have them but I DO imagine them!), landscaping possibilities, room makeovers...

I draw inspiration from so many of my friends, known and unknown (if you know what I mean): Kim, who quilts; Nancy, who writes; Janet, who is totally devoted to her family and still has her own life; Mom, who manages and thrives on a busy and fulfilling life at 81; a whole bunch of my scrapping friends who create amazing works of art; Jan, whose ministry is grounded in the arts; many of the RevGals who appear so tireless in their various ministires; Diane, who is amazingly insightful (ah, there's another "i"!)...

There is so much to say about so many of these "i"tems. I think sharing them for you to consider is of more valuable than for me to spin out what they mean to me, however, so I will simply leave you this rich list of "i"nner blessings. May your day be blessed.