I spent last weekend at Presbyterian Mo Ranch in the Texas hill country. Mo is located about 25 miles from Kerrville, Texas or 80 miles west of San Antonio. I was there for the annual Men's Conference, which is a function of the Synod of the Sun, which is part of Prebyterian Church (USA). The conference has become very special to me over the years; it is sort of an adult version of church camp. I used to attend Camp Squanto in West Swanzey, New Hampshire every summer. It was a great time to get away from the 'rents and make my own decisions in an environment designed to foster examination of faith issues.
The same sort of thing goes on at Mo Ranch for me. Except the decisions part - it is a step out of the decision making process we have to endure as adults. This may be one of the last places that the answer to the "Can you hear me now?" Verizon cel phone dude would probably be ,"No."
A little aside, but if you couldn't hear him, how would you know when to answer? The ultimate salesmen's close...Never ask a question that can have a negative response!
View from Chapel on the hill at Mo Ranch
Anyway, Mo and the conference provide me with a wonderful time for contemplation and relaxation.
This year our keynote speaker was Father Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest currently dividing his time between local work in Albuquerque, NM and preaching and teaching around the globe. His three talks were centered around the theme of his newest book,
Adam's Return, subtitled The Five Promises of Male Initiation.
While this provided the framework for his talks, an underlying recurrent message was present in his talks. "What is it about your faith and your life's work that is helping to bring about the transformation of the world, to the glory of God?"
Wow.
I'm not sure I am ready to assume that responsibility.
But isn't that precisely the task one takes on when he/she is faced with the reality of existence and purpose? When I realize that I am but a component of creation, a piece of a cosmic puzzle, yet the Creator of the puzzle has
my name written in Heaven and a place reserved for me, I find it difficult to be too consumed with whether someone is impressed with what brand of shoes I am wearing. I find that I am spending more and more time considering what sort of things can I do to allow more and more people to come to this same realization.
And still live in this world.
There are way too many thoughts inside me to get out right now. And I have actual work to get done on my job. Perhaps another day, more sifting and time to formulate thoughts will bring about a more coherent post.
In the meantime, experience peace born of grace - it is very cool.
