week in review

with Park Overall

 

Sally put together this Friday Five at RevGals a little while ago, but I was on the road (see earlier post) and learned about it several days later. I've been thinking about doing a regular post similar to this each week as a way to keep me blogging (at least weekly!). So here goes...

This week, what has 

Encouraged you?
Tomorrow (Monday) I interview for my job. I'm presently serving as interim director, and am eligible to apply for the position as permanent director of the center for women and nontraditional students at one of our state universities.  A presentation to the search committee and staff of the division of student affairs is part of the interview process, and although I am nervous about that (I'll be presenting the "old fashioned" way, sans power-point!), I am confident about the subject I am required to present.  There are five of us in this final part of the process, which is what makes me nervous. It costs money to bring candidates to campus, and the other four must be worth the expense. Ach! Competition! I worry most that one of them will have star-quality personality that will win over the hearts and minds of the search committee and others who have input in this selection process. BUT! I am encouraged by my own record on the job, and as I put together my presentation I feel affirmed in my qualifications.  I go into the interview confident and able to demonstrate competence. And that encourages me!

Inspired you?
Last night we attended a "meet and greet" with Park Overall, candidate for US Senate for the state of Tennessee. If her name rings a vague bell it's probably because of her acting resume. But as she stated in her remarks she wants to make a difference through what she does with her life, and staying on the family farm in rural Tennessee didn't cut that mustard. She faces an uphill challenge against the incumbent, who has megabucks of his own to wage his campaign, but Park has conviction and commitment to take action against the toxicity that has become the political arena. Bless her for that! We'll fight hard for her because we believe she has something to offer. At the very least we want her voice to be heard.

Challenged you?
Preparing a sermon/homily for this morning on the Trinity! I'm subbing for a vacationing priest, and in the liturgical year it is Trinity Sunday. This isn't anyone's favorite theological nut to crack, and I am having to dig to find something fresh to say on the subject. I am fortunate to have great resources at my disposal, however, so I think I'll be able to keep my head above water.

Made you smile?
My one and only nephew graduated last weekend from Middlebury College. I had never been there and fell in love with the town.  This is the only family graduation I've attended since my own, and it evoked not only memories, but a kind of wistfulness about connecting to the feelings of a parent on the occasion of a child's graduation.  I am so proud of Jesse, and so delighted that we were there to celebrate this milestone in his life.

Brought a lump in your throat or a tear to your eye in a good way?
A feature writer for The Hartford Courant is preparing an article about dad. Speaking to her on the phone to tell her something about his life and interests was a walk not just down memory lane, but of appreciating once again the depth of person that he was. It was a poignant delight to offer those glimpses of his life to be shared through this upcoming article.

Bonus: yesterday morning two of our grandsons participated in a local "Small Fry Tri(athalon),"   and it was too much fun watching them run, bike, and "swim" through the sprinklers to cross the finish line.  We are so blessed to be seeing so much of them!