So I think this blog is going to be the one where I share thoughts about life, but not necessarily about my faith. My "Ditties" blog will be where I share some of the humour I come across or just the various strange, but funny, incidents that happen in life.

I am finding the transition out of my identity as "teacher or principal" to that of "lay minister" is going along without TOO many attacks of guilt or remorse. Perhaps this is because I am still finding my way with the lay ministry stuff. It is all so new. I do find that I am more aware of my language than I used to be. I was always careful in front of children, but now I find myself being careful around everyone.

I am also finding that I am less patient with myself. The other day, I was talking with someone and this person was approaching me with very little respect and seemed to want to tell me all about aspects of my work that I feel very competent about. In fact, some of it was stuff with which I think I have great expertise. I was getting irritated. I started reflecting on the several conversations I have had with this individual over the last few months and they all seemed to be lectures about subjects with which I feel very knowledgeable. As my irritation grew, I suddenly felt not very competent in the realm of acceptance. I can't go along and not like this person. I have to find something that I cherish. This is not going to be as easy as I have found it with children in the past.

Kids are easy to see from all sides. Sure, almost all of them have little quirks that can be focussed upon to make one dislike them. However, they also have so many charming aspects upon which one can focus that it is easy to love them. I'm going to have to develop the same skill with adults. I think this is where I am going to have to work hard.

So what do you think? Is it an expectation that I should love and accept everyone with who I come in contact?