Let us all breathe a sigh of relief. And, if you are able, sing loud and joyful hosannas.

I’ve learned things about myself that I did not know.

1. I am not willing to let my son grow up in a church that is as conservative as some of the ones I grew up in. I’ve said if they choose the conservative candidate, my son will not be going there. Perhaps I am extreme, but… That’s how I feel.

(The elders here are erring on the side of conservativism for fear of running off the more conservative members, but I think they do not notice that they are running off the progressive ones by doing that.)

2. I talk too much. Both in groups and out of groups.

3. My learned and inherited respect for the office of elder is now a dog-eared book rather than a solid brick.

4. I do not think a leader of a committee should be the gatekeeper. I do not think the leader of a committee is different/better than the rest of the committee.

5. I am more impressed with prayer than with a plan.

There are other things I had re-confirmed for me.

1. I think there is a lot of power in words. I am not as careful as I should be when I choose to speak, though I try to be much more careful when I write. And those who are not careful when they write indicate that they do not understand the power of words.

2. I don’t like committees.

3. Churches are a lot more fun if you don’t know what kind of crap is going on behind the curtain.

4. I don’t agree with everyone.

It’s been a long haul, a hard search. I am glad that, regardless of what happens at the church, that it is over.