Saturday, a little sad

The Maryland House of Delegates yesterday decided to move the Marriage Equality bill back to the House Judiciary Committee. This will allow us to avoid a possible defeat, and to keep the bill alive for next year's session. Not the outcome we desired, but probably a better outcome than a losing vote--and we just didn't have assurance that we would win.

So I'm a little sad.

Last night, church had a delightful and "easy" dinner to kick off our Commitment Campaign . . . and then I went to a house concert with my favorite live performer, Dean Stevens. Dean's music always moves me to tears, especially the moment in "Wood and Strings" where he sings

Thank you, George Lowden

Thank you, Jean Larrivée,

Gordy Bischoff, C. F. Martin,

I am thanking you every day.

Thank you, rosewood, thank you, cedar,

Mahogany, ebony, bronze and steel,

Thank you wood, oh thank you metal,

Thank you hands that make it real.

This ebullient moment of gratitude makes me cry.

Likewise, from "Old Man in his Garden,"

I'll be thinkin' rain, I'll be hopin' sun,

I'll be dreamin' greener gardens. Is this my last one?

You can see me growin' slower,

But, ah! the grace of the garden grower.

And when we sing, simply, "Cuida el agua, cuida el agua, cuida el agua, cuida la."

Bring me to overwhelming joy.

I listened to a colleague's sermon this morning and was moved in my heart. How can I myself become a minister whose podcasts others listen to, find helpful, welcome in moments when they need to be more centered.

Well. prayers said for my people; intention expressed and optimism asserted. Much of what this morning thing means to me.

Off to a baby naming, child dedication and baptism. My work! Blessed be.