Reverend Ref +

CONGRATULATIONS

I mentioned in a previous post that there was going to be a big change to my blogroll -- one that had been a long-time coming and that I was excited about. Well, here it is . . .

Jane is being ordained to the transitional diaconate this evening. I would imagine that right about now they are putting the final touches on the liturgy, making sure everything is in place, and all of that other last minute stuff.

Funny how life works out, isn't it? Exactly one year ago, we were barely on speaking terms. Not that we were fighting or purposefully ignoring each other, it was just that we were in two different places. I was a senior, she was a middler. My last spring quarter was the only time I had shared a class with her, what with SWTS keeping each class as intact as possible. She sings, I don't. We were simply on different paths. At times, those paths seemed to be downright parallel -- as in, on the path towards ordination; as in, never crossing and never meeting.

A week before graduation, SWTS holds its annual Award's Night. This is one of the Big Three events. The seniors get their SWTS crosses, other people are given academic and other awards of distinction, and then we move to the refectory and present more . . . humorous awards. Such as the "Hospitality Award" that I presented to Leigh after finding out that she had left her keys in the front door of her dorm door over Thanksgiving break. But I digress . . .

Somewhere between Award's Night and Graduation, my path finally crossed with Jane. We discovered not only each other, but a genuine friendship that was too late in coming. Well, not too late, because friends found are always a blessing no matter when they appear. But too late in that we missed out on two years. Things happen for a reason, though; and from that first discussion on Dave's couch up through today and the humorous, intense, supportive and joyous times we've spent chatting together (yes, AIM is a blessing), I am glad to know her. She represents one of those jewels in life that I wish everyone could experience.

And tonight, she is being ordained deacon in God's One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church. Congratulations, my friend. It's been a long-time coming. The church will benefit from your gifts.

Congratulations are also in order for Bruce, her supportive husband; CJ, her daughter; and Kyle, her son. Tonight is as much for them as it is for you.

Congratulations also to Rebecca and Jeff, two other SWTS classmates being ordained at the same time.

Oh . . . and that change? Please note that "Senior Jane's Musings" has been moved from the "Clergy-in-Training" list. It has been relocated to "Clergy Blogs" under "Rev. Jane Muses."