Winds of change

September 1, 2008.

Here in Chico, it has been quite windy. These beautiful winds are not as tormenting as the Santa Ana winds of southern California. As I contemplated today on this being the first day I am officially employed as the Pastor of the Spiritual Enrichment Center, I knew that the winds are about change. In my head, I visualized myself landing in Chico along the lines of Mary Poppins landing on that house in London. Ready and willing to serve.

It's hard to not think about the hurricane winds of Gustav as the not yet healed emotions and fears of the people along the Gulf coast. Katrina was not long ago enough for everyone to be in a state of anxiety and trepidation. I do appreciate the sensitivity to this national concern that the RNC is showing. Clearly, a bigger picture is being created. Sending prayers.

My plans today were to sneak into church and have a mini- silent Sadhana of prayer throughout the sanctuary and my office. Because there was an event this evening with Mother Maya at the church, Bob was there this morning cleaning and setting up. I did do an extended prayer in my office before beginning. Don hung some artwork for me and I brought some more of my office supplies. Ran some more errands and began a search for a new computer desk and file cabinet. It was nice to see that many business establishments were actually closed for the holiday; and that Chico adorned it's city with American flags on the freeway overpasses.

Tomorrow is my first day at the office in full work mode. Wow. I have waited so long for this day. It feels a bit like the anxiety before the first day of school --maybe that's why I was running around getting office supplies--and yet, it also feels like I have come home and therefore, I am relaxed and confident.

Ahhhhhhhhhh