O Holy Night!

All week I've been thinking I should write something deeply inspiring and profound in this space. And all week the profundity has not even entered the room, let alone my spirit. It is Christmas Eve, the 67th one in my short life. It is cloudy here with a little snow on the ground. Not picture postcard like, but not that bad either--no storm, milder temps.

Jesus is being born once more in hearts all over the world. It has it's good points, at least when we haven't skewed things and thus caused pain instead of peace. And though I don't feel a bunch of outer "happy-happy", I do feel the deep inner "knowing" that the Christ, that One most transcendent and most intimately within, WAS, IS and WILL BE. And that is enough.

May we all experience moments of that deep knowing and receive the Gift that God so longs to give our searching hearts.

How safe can we get?

Locked out or locked in? That is the question. This post came in part from the hoo-ha about airline safety, but the prime catalyst was a Facebook conversation in which 2 or 3 women discussed their problems with the locks on their houses--getting locked out, having umpteen keys made to be sure everyone in the neighborhood has one, so the lady won't be out in the cold when she forgets her keys or the door blows shut or whatever.

I understand. I have done the same thing several times; caught in the cold, not wearing enough clothing and locked out. Every time, I think why do I keep my doors locked all the time? What am I afraid of? What are the chances that someone will break in? Wouldn't it cause less damage if this imaginary bandit could just walk in? What difference would it make otherwise? I've lived in my house since 1976 and things have been OK. Does that mean I'm foolish enough to think it couldn't happen? Of course not. I just wonder if the odds are worth all the effort we put into satisfying our desire for security.

And if "they" are locked out, doesn't that mean "I'm" locked in, protecting my treasures from others, separating myself from the neighborhood, the community, the world? How open am I, if I lock myself up with my "stuff" all the time?

And then there's the airlines. I have no desire for myself or anyone else to be blown up. At the same time, listening to world news, it's clear that terrorists can strike anytime and anywhere. I wish there was some way to know our relative safety if we did nothing at all at the airport compared with the de-humanizing herding that goes on now. My guess is the "victory" for the terrorists is the amount of resources we are spending out of fear. It's all about fear and all it takes in case people start to feel a little safer, is another well-placed bomb--a nice little "reminder" of who has the power. That's why it's called "terror".

I don't know what the answer is, but I don't think it's more security measures. If we put as much money and human effort into education, clean water supplies, basic medical assistance, and listening to and respecting the poor and oppressed with open minds and hearts, as we do into "security", maybe we could become a great leader of nations once again.

Eric Hoffer, the wise philosopher, said that if people have to choose between chaos and order, they will always choose order, no matter how much freedom they lose. Is that where we are?

Honestly folks, there's no security! Only in the One who gives us each new day. May that One set us free!

The "Magic" of Carrie Newcomer

It's been a long time coming. I hope whatever readership this blog attracts hasn't given up on it entirely! At least you had a good Mary Oliver poem to read--and read and read.

My body, mind and spirit have been most challenged these past couple of months. I "preach" about contemplation and reflection and quiet, but sometimes of late I've been most guilty of not listening to that sermon. Good reasons? Sure. But nevertheless, there was some reason why I slept 12 hours last night.

This weekend is the last of the many responsibilities. I am excited and hopeful, because Carrie Newcomer, a woman whose passion, spirituality and creativity are remarkably authentic and engaging, is coming to our church. She'll help folks discern how they can integrate the passions of their spirits with the expectations of their daily work. She'll sing some of her beautiful and provocative music. She'll help raise a heap of money for the food bank. And she'll radiate the deep peace and joy that comes from her soul.

It's taken many hours of effort to bring this about and were it not for the generosity of my friends, Jean and Tom, we could not afford to do it. And all of it will be worth while, because together we'll celebrate life, we'll affirm the possibilities for peace, we'll remember who we are and Whose we are.

And so today I will breathe. Please join me!

A lovely poem

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I fly to New Mexico and live at Ghost Ranch for a week--my ninth trip to that beguiling place. Not much time for blog writing, so I decided to post one of my favorite Mary Oliver poems.

"Heron Rises From The Dark, Summer Pond"

by Mary Oliver

So heavy
is the long-necked, long-bodied heron,
always it is a surprise
when her smoke-colored wings
open
and she turns
from the thick water,
from the black sticks

of the summer pond,
and slowly
rises into the air
and is gone.

Then, not for the first or the last time,

I take the deep breath
of happiness, and I think
how unlikely it is

that death is a hole in the ground,
how improbable
that ascension is not possible,
though everything seems so inert, so nailed
back into itself —
the muskrat and his lumpy lodge,
the turtle,
the fallen gate

And especially it is wonderful

that the summers are so long

and the ponds so dark and so many,

and therefore it isn't a miracle

but the common thing,
this decision,
this trailing of the long legs in the water,
this opening up of the heavy body

into a new life: see how the sudden
gray-blue sheets of her wings
strive toward the wind; see how the clasp of nothing
takes her in.

On this beautiful autumn day, I wish you well and pray for us all to have deep joy and peace!

Why those two lines persist in being so large, I have no idea.

Judge not...

I struggle with the "sin" of judgmentalism. Frequently I see some one or some situation and instantly decide that I know what's going on and why. Actually, I have no idea what's going on or why. Example: Yesterday the cashier at the grocery store seemed to have as much personality as a slug. I couldn't get even the remotest smile out of him. I almost reported his attitude to the manager on the way out. But instead I kept walking, wondering what was happening to him today. Very few people are just naturally "bad". I remembered how the more attractive guy at the next register was teasing him as he methodically scanned each item. Was that part of what ailed him? Was he not feeling well? Had his mother just died? Was he filled with self-hatred or self-pity?

OK, I can hear you responding that people need to be responsible, accountable, suck it up. We all have problems and we keep working. And yes, I agree. There are too many in our culture who seem totally preoccupied with self indulgence and an attitude of entitlement, which, by the way, we taught them.

I read a letter on Facebook from an emergency room doctor who described a female patient, on Medicaid, who had numerous tatoos, smoked a pack a day, wore gold jewelry, and ate her meals at take out restaurants. He opined that he shouldn't have to pay for her health care. I understand his judgment, but I also know he made a lot of assumptions based on appearances. And so did I. I blush to admit that I almost immediately assumed the woman was black. But I don't know that or her full situation and neither does he.

Of course we must make countless judgments every day. That's how we survive. Is that car going to stay in its lane or enter mine? Do I dare eat ice cream again today? There's one more step down; don't miss it. The sky is dark; I'll take an umbrella. My friend is using me again; I will not participate.

When it comes to politics and religion, watch out! We all have our beliefs and each of us thinks, no we know, we're right. And if I'm right, then you have to be wrong. There can be no in between, often enough. So others shouldn't condemn, but it's OK for me to condemn them? It's all condemnation, without understanding, no matter what "side" you take.

Our current national angst is the result of many complex factors and can't be reduced to one reason. But certainly a part of it is our fear, our need to be right, to be superior, to blame someone, anyone, for our troubles. I do it and so do you, whatever your views.

On a positive note, I recently drove into Bud Kouts Chevrolet's service area. From past experience I knew I'd need an appointment or at least I'd have to wait a while. All I needed was a bulb for my front right turn signal. When I told the service person, he said, "Oh, I can do that right here." In less than 5 minutes I was on my way and he didn't charge me a penny. How happy I was that my judgment was wrong. (That's why I have and will continue to do business there, by the way.)

So my intention is to suck it up and not so readily write off other people and their views. I know I won't succeed completely, but I will try. I can choose to withhold judgment until I have more complete information. I can pay more attention to my own short-comings and less to those of others. I can celebrate the overwhelming goodness of others and the innumerable blessings of life. I can trust that God will take care of things. I can't and I don't need to.

Coming to you from the excruciating beauty of a sunny fall day in Michigan!

Maybe you CAN go home again

I took a trip in late August, not the first since becoming a widow, by any stretch. But it was the first return to Northwest Michigan without Norris. Though it's been almost five years, I have resisted visiting those places that were so precious to us as a couple.

When my spiritual director invited me to her family cottage for a small, "free-form" retreat, it seemed like a gift. Soon after I accepted, dear friends invited me to Beaver Island. So I put the two together, spending half the week on Upper Herring Lake near Lake Michigan and the villages of Frankfort and Benzonia; the other half on that enchanted isle two hours by ferry from Charlevoix.

One of the women at the retreat asked if I'd like to drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. She'd never been there and had no idea how much that place means to me. With some trepidation and an ache inside, I said yes. In fact, I wanted to go, even though I also dreaded it. There are few places we enjoyed more than Glen Arbor and the surrounding area. And we adored Stocking Drive, making that incredible trek (by car) in every season but deep winter. And so my new friend and I drove the drive, stopping at the various look-outs, savoring this amazing part of the earth. It was a joy to "show" her this sacred land and she was deeply involved in the experience. She had packed a lunch and just happened to set the box down in a spot Norris and I visited and photographed numerous times. And so we ate and looked and listened and talked and it was OK. It was bittersweet, but it was OK.

Leaving the cottage retreat, I sort of drove through my early life, passing Interlochen, Traverse City, Elk Rapids, our home north of town, the roads I used to "park" on, and finally arriving in Charlevoix, the bustling tourist town. It was a great opportunity to remember and reflect on the life I've lived and the person I am.

Beaver Island was easier emotionally, as we hadn't spent much time there previously and I so enjoyed being with my hosts, as well as another dear friend, an island native. This island is fascinating, mysterious, beautiful and wild. It is definitely an Emerald in the "sea" of Michigan.

Much of the week I spent in silence and reflection--listening to the winds, looking and looking at the trees and the clouds and the water, enjoying the creatures, including people. The earth nurtured me like a mother and I am renewed. Thank You, God, for the infinite means You use to reveal Your Self to us!

I guess summer is over as of today, so I wish you a good new school year, dear reader. May you find your renewal as is best for you!

Such wonderful variety!

One of the many things which I appreciate in life is the vast variety amongst all species, including us. Recently I have been especially mindful of that. I've picnicked with a group of Turkish Muslim people who have enriched my life immeasurably and wept as one of the families moved on to another place.

This past weekend I spent several hours at the East Lansing Folk Festival where I saw and/or spoke with people from all over the world--really interesting people. (I wish others would notice what an interesting community this is, instead of grousing about it being "dull". It's only dull if you're not really looking.)

Among the nicest people I've met, is Scott Harris, who started Everybody Reads Bookstore in Lansing almost five years ago. We spent several hours tending his book display at the Festival and when not talking with Festival-goers, we were deep in meaningful conversation about all sorts of things. No shallow "where did you get that cute hat?" sort of talk for us! We dive deep! I so admire someone with the courage to offer the community a local bookstore/gathering place, particularly open to those who might be overlooked or rejected in other settings. By the way, to put in a plug, the store is on E. Michigan Ave. next to Gone Wired Cafe', which is also a neat place to hang out. If you care whether Lansing has any independent bookstore (this is the last one), please consider visiting it and spending some money, too. (I do not have an financial interest in the store!)

The variety in the rest of nature is amazing, as well. The view from the large window above my computer desk is less than spectacular. In fact, in earlier years I rather hated it. After all, it was just the house close next door, their yard, and a bunch of trees. That was how I "saw" it. As time went on, however, and I became more contemplative I began to see the beauty there--the colors, the shapes, and the wonderful sky.

I planted a butterfly bush near this window several years ago and it has grown large enough that the branches are visible to me as I write. It is loaded with lovely lavender blooms. That would be rich in itself, but it attracts all sorts of creatures--bugs, actually--and today I've made the acquaintance of a large Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. From tip to tip it must be at least 5" wide. It's been around all morning, along with several bees and some small white butterflies. I have a bird's eye view, so to speak, as they drink from the tiny blossoms. For some reason, the squirrels and birds aren't so visible today, but yesterday there were two rabbits in the yard, one huddling in the deeper grass (yes, I need to mow), thinking I didn't see it, or hoping so anyway.

Of course, there are my two cats, as different from each other as can be, and my little Tessa dog, who is unusual to say the least. After a long period of not accepting her, the cats have finally come around, sort of. It's so cute to see Willie run down the sidewalk next to Tessa (they are about the same size) when we go out in the morning. And often, Nellie is looking out at us from my bedroom window.

I think of my dear ones and the amazing people who visit my home for spiritual sustenance and guidance! Each one is unique, yet they/we are all so similar. Isn't life something, folks? Even if you "don't got religion", on a day like this it's pretty hard not to give thanks to Someone!

Here's to Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the wonderful hours of love we shared in that place!

Happy birthday, Grandma!

It's August 1. Many say how fast the summer has flown, which is my usual thought as well. But this year, maybe because spring burst forth so early, I'm feeling like it's a long summer. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. It's especially wonderful when I take Tessa out first thing in the morning--the cool newness of another day, the birds chattering, the verdant smells, the side light of the sun in the east. I rejoice!

My maternal grand-mother, Nellie, was born on this day 134 years ago. I pay tribute annually to this magnificently strong, faithful woman, who never allowed the anguish of life to get her down for long. She didn't have the greatest marriage ever, was a widow for many years, had problems with her kids, struggled to make ends meet. Not unlike most of us now. Except in her day making ends meet meant literally having food, clothing, shelter. Not whether you could afford countless toys such as Wii or I-Phones or GPS systems. Nellie would truly be appalled at the state of things now. One of my hopes about the after-life is that if souls are aware of this plane, they are so wise and have such a broad perspective, they don't get upset about it.

I wonder how it is that we fall in love and with the best of intentions start out to make a life with our partner. Everyone is so excited about the wedding and the future. For far too many, not only does the light dim, it often goes out completely. And where did all the hope go?

Norris and I had our share of difficulties, but the light never went out. It feels like it now, though, with him being gone so long. At times, I find it hard to remember exactly how he looked or spoke. I'm always grateful when those realities are clear to me once again. One of the most difficult things about being a widow is keeping my mouth shut when those with partners complain about them. Yes, I know, I always have had trouble keeping my mouth shut! But, sometimes it's very tempting to remind them that at least they still have a partner. I understand their feelings. I complained, too. And it's cliche' to point out that we don't appreciate what we have until we lose it, including our marriages. It is not easy to be alone. I'm feeling that especially as I realize next weekend will be our 45th wedding anniversary and he won't be here to celebrate.

Well, enough mid-summer self-pity. Here's to Nellie and all the wonderful Grandmas who loved us in spite of ourselves. May she truly rest in peace!

You'd have laughed, too!

OK, another sermon. I'm sorry, but I like to share them and besides, it's easier than writing a new blog post! The Scripture was in Genesis 18 about how Sarah and Abraham, at ages 90 and 100, were going to have a baby!!

In the early 50’s, when I was a little girl, “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” was a very popular song. Its basic theme was not to worry, to hold lightly to life’s challenges, to “live, love and laugh at it all.” My father ranted and raved about that song and the evils of its philosophy. “That’s the trouble with people these days,” he would roar, “they don’t take life seriously. They don’t work hard enough”, etc, etc, etc. Ironically, by the way, a few years later he bought a cherry orchard, so “a bowl of cherries” became pretty significant to him.

Why did that song upset him so much? He came from a family of stoic Scots-Irish people--poor, puritanical, pious. He told how his father berated him and his brother for tossing a football after the day’s work was done as just a waste of time. There was little laughter in that home. And, though my Dad was somewhat “looser”, there was precious little laughter in our home either. Fortunately for him, and my mother, in later years he allowed his natural exuberance to come forth and his deep belly laugh was loud and contagious.

Laughter is one of the amazing things about the human species. Perhaps other species laugh, too. I hope so. Dogs and cats definitely smile. But there is nothing quite like the pure joy of a hearty laugh. On lovely summer days, I revel in the exuberant giggles of the two small children who live next door.

Christianity, however, doesn’t say a lot about laughter. We read that Jesus wept, but not that Jesus laughed. A strange detail to leave out, don’t you think? Especially when you consider all the wild parties he liked to attend. Perhaps you’ve seen the pictures of Jesus laughing. If you Google that phrase on your computer you come up with an amazing number of articles and pictures.

So getting back to Sarah and Abraham, the father and mother of the Hebrew people, it’s interesting that laughter was a focus of this story. You may remember that God has promised Abraham he will be the father of countless people and now three strangers appear in the yard and somehow Abraham senses their significance, for he jumps up in the hottest part of the day and can’t wait to provide them with food and gracious hospitality.
So Sarah hears one of the men, presumably the Lord, saying she will have a baby and she laughs. Can’t you just hear her? HA! Me? At age 90? Have pleasure with that 100 year old husband of mine? HA! You’d have laughed, too. Interestingly, when God tells Abraham the same thing one chapter earlier, he, too, laughs, but God doesn’t seem to mind. Why then, do you suppose God is annoyed with Sarah for laughing? Might say something about how the story-teller saw women. Apparently, she wasn’t supposed to laugh at God. Maybe that’s part of how we learned it was wrong to laugh in church or any holy setting.

I have several friends who became parents at an older age (not THAT old) and they laugh, too, sometimes to keep from crying. We laugh at that which we both understand and don’t understand. We laugh at absurdity. We laugh when we can do nothing else. (I told here of the "Chuckle's Funeral" episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Ted Cohen’s book Jokes: Philosophical Thoughts on Joking Matters was reviewed in The Christian Century a few years ago.
“The peculiar capacity of jokes to absorb absurdity is theologically significant, Cohen suggests. To laugh at the world’s absurdities implies an "acceptance of incomprehensibility," and this acceptance is a kind of religious affirmation. Such jokes offer a way of being reconciled to the creation and the Creator even as one expresses anger or despair at God’s world. Cohen finds such laughter in the passage in Genesis where Abraham and Sarah laugh upon learning that Sarah at age 90 will bear a child (to be named Isaac, "he laughs"). If the patriarch and matriarch of the faith can laugh at God’s incomprehensible ways, argues Cohen, then surely such laughter has a theological warrant.

Of course laughter can come from all kinds of sources—fear, embarrassment, nervousness, hatred, abuse of power, etc. But I hope to bring some laughter, or at least a chuckle or grin to your spirit, by sharing a few things that just coincidentally showed up in my email this week. You’ll need to be wide awake now!

The first set is from a comedian named Stephen Wright, who is zany, creative and a bit outside the box. Here are a few of his one-liners:

82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?
Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.

Then there are the ubiquitous church bulletin mistakes, such as:

• The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
• The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
• Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
• Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
• Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
• Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Humorists can do much to help us find commonality and community, perhaps when we least expect it. I believe Bill Cosby’s ability to show how similar his experiences were to that of people of all backgrounds went a long way in teaching Americans to be more tolerant. We know, too, that laughter is healing, physically and every other way. Norman Cousins, who laughed his way to healing, says, “Laughter is inner jogging.”

God has a sense of humor, obviously. Else why would life be so wild and crazy and rich and wonderful? I was blessed to marry a man who believed that; a man who said we could survive anything if we could keep our sense of humor. Our home knew laughter even in the hardest times. In my email signature I quote, I don’t know who, “Blessed are those who laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.”

I will close with a prayer from Bridget Mary Meehan’s book Praying with the Women of the Bible:

Promise us, O God of Sarah, that you will be faithful forever
especially in the times we experience discouragement and emptiness.
O God of the Unexpected, teach us to laugh heartily at life’s inconsistencies and at our own silly pretenses.
Surprise us, as you did Sarah, with new life, fresh hope, and energetic love.
Then, like Sarah, we will praise you with glad hearts and grateful laughter all the days of our lives.
Amen.

Bearing Burdens

This is an adapted version of a sermon I preached on the 4th of July.

Sometimes I wonder how humanity can bear so many burdens, of such unimaginable weight. In a sense, the weight of the world really is on our shoulders—war upon war, society’s institutions crumbling, the earth raped and wasted, living beings destroyed because of human greed and apathy, fears of unemployment, illiteracy, disease, religious antagonism. And that doesn’t include the specific concerns we have for those close-in to our lives—disastrous relationships, illnesses, mental and physical addictions, financial worries. A rather depressing recitation, wouldn’t you say?

How do we bear these burdens? First, our own. Here are two ways, both simple and profound. One is solitude; the other is community. In order to bear the burdens of our lives, we need to spend a portion of our time alone in a quiet, peaceful and safe place, in order to listen to the wisdom hidden deep within our souls. Yes, thinking is involved; but, from a place deeper than the mind, impulses, intuitions, surprising revelations can spring forth out of the silence. Wow! Where did that come from—an idea, a possible solution, a feeling of utter peace, a sudden knowing that all shall be well.

And we need community, the presence and love of others. Where two or three are gathered there I will be, Jesus said. This is one reason why people seek a spiritual director—to have at least one person, one place, where they feel they can be safe, where they can say anything, where they can trust. Of course that is why we gather in congregations, as well. Sometimes an experience during worship or otherwise, can be the very gift we need to keep going, to feel reassured of God’s love and care. We hear a particular piece of music, someone gives us a squeeze or a beautiful smile, the readings touches in some deep place, the beautiful space feels safe, sacred, promising. Community happens in an infinite variety of settings, religious and otherwise. But we must have it; else we perish in a dark hole of isolation and despair.

How do we help others bear their burdens? This phrase from Parker Palmer helps me remember: Don’t evade and don’t invade. Perhaps this sounds a bit negative, but bear with me.

If we know someone is hurting, say a loved one died, do we evade talking with them? We say, I’m not good at funeral homes or hospitals. I don’t like nursing homes. I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know him/her that well. I’ve heard myself say all these things from time to time. Well, tell me, who DOES like hospitals, nursing homes, funeral parlors? Who DOES know what to say? We are called to be present, to trust that no matter what we do or don’t say, the Holy Spirit will operate and the hurting one will be helped.

At the same time, and this is done all too frequently, we must not invade, asking questions mostly out of curiosity, giving platitudes which only serve to add fuel to the fire burning within the other, "taking over" and deciding for someone what is best for them. Adult children are especially good at doing this to/for their elderly parents.

So we need to allow people space and time to be alone with themselves and their wounds. AND, we need to be available, humbly listening, when that is what is needed. We need to look people directly in the eyes, to show our own emotions openly, to hug more than to lecture.

During one of his bouts of clinical depression, Parker Palmer said that when he was at his lowest, the only person who was able to help him was a man who came over every afternoon, quietly massaged his feet for ½ hour, then left. There was something in the faithfulness, the respect, and the human touch which helped Parker come up out of the extreme abyss.

Our country could learn from these two stances, as well—evasion and invasion. We have been far too good at not looking at what we don’t want to see, especially about ourselves as a nation. And we have been far too good at invading the space, culture and religious beliefs of others, thinking we were being helpful. We have born a great burden, even though much of our action has been well meaning.

Finally, we bear the burden of this planet. This one is particularly difficult. What on earth, so to speak, can any of us do? We respond to the destruction of this earth somewhere on a spectrum from being totally oblivious to changing our entire life styles. I more and more believe that Mother Earth is more powerful than we presume. She will survive; she will take care of herself. At what cost to the human species, I’m not at all sure.

Ultimately, God does and will bear the burdens of us all. May it be so!

The Word from Fenner is GOOD!!!

I believe this will inspire you and if you're in this area, you might feel "called" to get involved. The first is a letter from the President of the Fenner Board; the second from our new Executive Director, Jason Meyer.

There have been so many good things happening at Fenner Nature Center lately that I did not want to wait until the Fall newsletter to reach you. Our new Executive Director, Jason Meyer, has hit the ground running and there is an aura of enthusiasm and optimism that energizes all of us who are involved. Daily visitors are increasing and our summer day programs all have waiting lists. Our new summer staff is doing a great job. We have received some grant money to improve the facilities at the Nature Center and the city has arranged to have our paved trails repaired. A few weeks ago, Jason sent me and the Board a message describing one day on the job, and I found it so informative and inspiring that I wanted to share it with you. Please see that message below. As you read about the new things that are going on, I urge you to think of ways that you can pitch in and add to the momentum. You can provide your time as a volunteer (we need people to spread the word about Fenner; we need volunteer committee members and Board members as well). We also need your financial support. At a reception for Jason to meet some of our key volunteers, one person wrote us a check for $500 as a sign of her support. We need more people to do that.

Ron Eggleston, President Friends of Fenner Nature Center

A Day on the Job of the Executive Director: June 16, 2010

It's been about a month-and-a-half now that I've been here at Fenner. It really seems like yesterday that I interviewed for this job. I wanted to take a few minutes and jot down some of my reflections just today. When I got to Fenner this morning, I stopped and checked the mail -- in it was a continuation of the stream of donations to the Friends of Fenner Nature Center in memory of Mrs. Beverly Decker, a former volunteer with us. Several of these had handwritten notes about how much Mrs. Decker loved this place. In the past week, these memorials have raised over $500. I called Mrs. Decker's daughter Susan, and conveyed our appreciation and condolences. She told me that Fenner was a special place and that after the estate is settled, they may be able to contribute more to our efforts so that others can continue to appreciate the place that her mother loved.

Shortly after my arrival, staff started to get here. Francine Clark came in this morning with her typical smile, "good morning," and off to work she went, always putting her nose to the grindstone be-fore I even get a chance to say "good morning" back! Megan Berry came in next, beaming the smile that she always has, even though she had to get up even earlier for the long drive from Lapeer thanks to our summer camp starting today. I love the way that Megan comes in and starts every day with a question about how somebody's night was the night before -- she shows a real interest in the lives of her co-workers, and it makes us all feel great. Our crack summer staff was right on their heels -- not once since their training began about two weeks ago have any of them been late or shown anything other than a great sense of responsibility for their work here -- Sarah, our recent teaching graduate is already showing her leadership potential; Meghan, our dancer has a vitality for life and a right-brain approach that the kids will love, and Samantha, probably the (seemingly) youngest camp staffer to be hired, has an absolutely brilliant personality that the little kids will love (plus, like me, she knows a good Slurpee when she sees one).

Today launched our summer camp programs with "Roots and Shoots." Sarah took the lead with our four participants, and every time I checked up on them, they were not only having fun, but learning at the same time. Tomorrow, the kids will work with Joanne Foy and Clara on the start of a native plant garden that will grow to be the entryway to the Nature Center.

While enrollment for this session is low, throughout the day the phones were ringing off the hooks. Megan and Francine had their hands full getting kids registered at the last minute for our other camps, and I even heard that we had a waiting list starting to form. This is all great news for the future of our camp program -- the staff has worked hard to provide the absolute best programming, and the participants will surely tell their friends to join us next year!

I had the honor of sharing coffee with Carol Ingells today -- what a beautiful soul. We discussed her role as our webmaster, including how we may be changing things up a bit with the website. After showing her some of the alternatives to our current setup, she and I spent some time talking about her late husband, Norris. Of all of us who knew Norris, I bet we'd have a hard time finding someone who didn't think he was a pretty special person. His legacy will live on at Fenner through the Norris Ingells Fund. If you haven't been to the Nature Center lately, one of our displays showcases his photography, and causes people to stop in their tracks and take a closer look at nature through his lens.

Carol Miller was next -- Carol has been here a lot over the past few weeks, helping out with just about everything -- popping popcorn, moving top soil, working with me on the official formation of the Fund Development and Sustainability Committee for Fenner, staffing the front desk so that we could have a staff meeting, and much more. All of the staff here appreciate Carol's willingness to step up and fill the gaps. I saw Clara around, too, although I didn't have much time to interact with her today -- I will say that I really appreciate having her around to bounce ideas off of -- her institutional knowledge is key to implementing some of the things I'd like to see here, such as the entryway native plant garden, among 1,000 other things.

We had approximately 50 visitors in the Center to-day -- that doesn't count the folks who utilized the trails and picnic areas but didn't come inside. They were from all walks of life, all ages, and all abilities. Our staff and facility are welcoming to everyone, and that's something to be proud of. I spent some time at the windows today as the workers poured new concrete outside of the basement to repair the sinkholes and cracks -- this work will continue for the next few days.

I worked on revisiting some of the documents produced through a strategic planning workshop that was held prior to my arrival -- it's time to get that updated and approved by the Board so that we have a set of shared goals to reach toward. I worked on making sure that several items were ready to be addressed at tomorrow night's Board meeting -- we have a new facility rental policy that will be discussed, MC Rothhorn has taken the lead on our Board Development Committee and I have offered him my assistance in preparing for tomorrow if he needs it, and Carol Miller and I coordinated our discussion points related to the Fund Development and Sustainability Committee. I spent some time exploring the documents related to the Association of Nature Center Administrator's consultation that they conducted prior to my arrival -- lots of good stuff there.

Finally, I set up a meeting with Dan Zay, the consultant that helped us with our prescribed burn. Dan and I graduated from the same program in college, and were professionally trained by some of the same fire gurus. We have a lot in common, and he is hoping to work with us on developing a management plan for the resources here at Fenner -- including prairie restoration, forest health projects, and more. Most of that was before lunch.

One thing that I wanted to describe about today, was my difficulty in completing one important task. I spent more time on this than any of the other things because I wanted to get it perfect. It was Francine's Exit Interview and Performance Review. Francine has been Fenner's anchor through some pretty turbulent times over the past few years. While her review is confidential, I can share a few of the things in it with this larger audience because it wouldn't be right to not thank her in this forum. All of the staff, my-self included, have been lucky to have her leadership and guidance during this transition period. To an outsider, it might look like she's running the place. That's because she is, or was, anyway. Tomorrow is her last day, so I hope she doesn't work too hard and takes some time to enjoy Fenner for what it is. Her commitment to this organization and facility is obvious and as an employee, I couldn't ask for much better. She has been my guide for the past 45 days or so -- often overwhelming me with information -- but my guide nonetheless. She knows our repeat clients by name, is able to handle problems before they even arise (I don't even think I know about half of them), and demonstrates leadership through her honesty, integrity, and ability to lead by example. She will be sorely missed by all of us. Francine, thank you for your service to Fenner Nature Center.

While Francine's departure will leave a void, her re-placement is in training and will soon be telling me how to do things, just like Francine did. I'd like to make the official announcement now that Megan Berry has promoted internally to our Office Assistant/Naturalist Aide position, where her duties have become somewhat more administrative, and involves much more responsibility and leadership. She is already demonstrating to me that our efforts to keep her here, rather than watching her go somewhere crazy like the Detroit Zoo, will pay off.

Fenner is really a fantastic place, and the current agreement with the City (which I found out today will be extended for another four years) allows us a ton of flexibility, and opportunities to do things differently. It's an exciting time here, and my reflections on today show how much happens in just a few hours. That's all for now. I'm going home.

Jason

Now how is that for an enthusiastic, informed, and sensitive leader? Please give Fenner some thought and maybe even some prayer. Lansing, especially in these tough times, needs this jewel to continue. Maybe there is some way you can help. Thanks!