I have reached the sage age of 60 and am neither ashamed, nor appauled at the fact. I was part of the chemical industry for over 35 years. There were good experiences and less than desirable experiences, but the key was trying to learn something from each one.
This reminds me of a song Barbra Streisand records quite a few years ago, "On My Way to You" It was referring to no regrets as the culmination of all of my experiences has bought me to this place, this time. If I had changed even a moment I might not have come to this same place and time.
So where am I now? I am retired from the chemical industry. Since January 2008, I have been enrolled at Perkins School of Theology pursuing a C.M.M. degree which is a Master's in Church Ministries in Adult Education. This will prepare me to be eventually ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. For those familiar with the UMC, a Deacon is called to word and service but not sacraments and order. I have no desire to lead a chuch and do not feel that I have been called to lead and bless the sacraments, although I may certainly assist in both baptisms and the Eucharist. I believe my calling is in teaching (Adult Education) and through fiber arts, adorning worship spaces. To that end, I have formed a company, Textiles in Faith, hence the name of this blog.
When one is on the path that is aligned with what God wants for your life, it is amazing what occurs. I was scheduled to present my concepts for ordinary time paraments to the Worship Committee of my home church on a Thursday evening and I wanted them to take me seriously. Suddenly the idea of forming a business came to me two days prior. Within 30 minutes I had the name and the logo stitched out and had the EIN number for the business. When you are on the path God has chosen for you, obstacles are cleared away and the path made straight. God is amazing!
Last summer I had a vendor booth at our Annual Conference and received very positive responses. In September I began working at my home church as a Ministry Assistant. It feels good to have funds coming in so I am not as dependent upon my retirement as I otherwise would be, The added bonus is learning the inner-workings of a church and all that is needed behind the scenes to make things progress smoothly. Last semester I took 2 of the 8 classes I am required to take on campus. I drove up Wednesday mornings, had a class in the afternoon and another in the evening, stayed overnight with a friend and then drove back to Houston Thursday morning. It was a drag on my body as well as putting many miles on my truck. This semester which is going to start in 2 days I will be flying to Dallas for a class on Tuesday afternoons and will be able to catch a flight back home that same evening. The other class I am taking is in Houston on alternate Monday evenings. I am half-way through my course work, thank goodness!
We'll see how this goes. I'm quite surprised I had so much to say as I am not normally a verbose person...
