On Being A Semi-Recluse

My diocese will have its convention at the end of this week. I wanted to attend to see if I could hear a word of reaction from anyone in my diocese as to the happenings in Tanzania, and TEC, and the Anglican Communion and also, perhaps to catch a glimpse of what the Windsor bishops are about. I am not a delegate, so I would go as a simple person-in-the-pew observer.

But, I find that I am so thoroughly drained by the recent court proceedings pertaining to my son's divorce, that I can't comtemplate getting myself there. Since September, when the family uproar began, I have been in semi-recluse mode. I am not rebuffing contacts, but I am not initiating contacts either. I stay home more, and it requires more of an effort on my part to get out, except to do my granny duties with my two grandchildren.

I feel totally cut off from what my bishop is about, except that I know that he is involved in working on recovery from Katrina with various groups. I was pleased to hear Bishop Katharine's suggestion in her talk this morning for more creative solutions for those in the affected areas, such as services conducted in homes, with eyes on the early church for models. The church is not a building, but a gathering of the people of God.

In addition, I feel cut off from the wider church, except for news reports and internet contacts, and I am truly grateful for the internet contacts. I'd be going crazy (crazier?) without them.

Tomorrow evening we begin our Lenten Evensong program, followed by soup and sandwiches and teachings from the Alpha series. Perhaps the discussions after the teachings will serve as an opportunity for exchanges with others in my own church community about what is going on. We shall see.