We have a shuttle that runs around campus and out where I work. The driver in the morning is a lady named Ms. Annie. She makes it a point to learn the names of everyone who ever rides in her van. For many of our foreign students, she's their mother away from home. She's a real bright light in our world.

 Sometimes I'll ride the shuttle route just to catch up with her and visit. When I was riding with her this morning, she was telling me about this man from China who came here as a visiting professor for a year. His year is almost up and he'll have to return home. He has very mixed feelings about going back. He lives in a large, congested, polluted city in China and has really enjoyed just breathing clean air for a year. He has also enjoyed some other opportunities here that he just doesn't have back in his home. On the other hand, his wife and daughter, his parents, and his home are back in China. He's just become very attached to Starkville.

 As usually happens when Ms. Annie and I talk, the conversation took a spiritual twist. We talked about how, sometimes, we get very attached to something comfortable and don't want to let go. Sometimes, God is leading us to something more meaningful, but we don't want to step out of what is comfortable. It really made me look at the things that I want to hold on to when, maybe, God wants me to let go - so He can lead me closer to my true home.

As I stepped off the bus, I let out a little groan as my stiff back yelled at me to slow down. I said, "Wow. I'm not 20 any more. I not what I used to be." Annie smiled and said, "Mr. John, thank GOD you're not who you used to be!"

Amen, Ms. Annie. Amen.

Prayer requests:
Remember to please pray for the Deacon candidates of our Diocese who are being installed into the Ministry of Reader at the Cathedral tomorrow at 11:00.

Also, please pray for the expectant mothers in our parish.  Especially Jennifer (Ffej's wife) and Katy Kraszewski (whom you will all meet very soon!).  May God bless them and their babies.

Have a great weekend everyone.

For those who were at Abbey Fest, this should take you back: