5/13/2007

That position would not have occurred to me

So when Five Year Old was still quite young, either a few months old or about 14 months old, I got a call from the Friend who was then serving as our meeting's clerk of nominating.

"I have two questions from Nominating Committee," she said. "First, we wanted to know if you would be willing to serve," she said, "as treasurer." There was an edge to her voice.

"That position would not have occurred to me," I said. "I don't think I can do it."

It was clear then what the edge in her voice was from: Barely suppressed laughter.

"Wait, it gets better!" she said. "Would you be willing to serve as clerk of meeting?"

We both laughed.

Even as she asked, she knew it was somewhat outlandish even to ask me to consider serving as treasurer or clerk at that point in my life.

This Friend is also the parent of two children, both in similar age brackets to my two. So she knew from her own current experience it was asking a bit much.

Anyway, fast forward to spring 2007. My boys are five and nine (as of yesterday!).

About two months ago, the current clerk of Nominating asked me if I would serve as clerk. I asked for time to consider. A couple of times on this blog, I mentioned being in a time of discernment for my meeting -- this question was the focus. Anyway, thanks to the many Friends who helped -- Robin M., Kathleen K., Stephen M., Patty M., John H., and more... It gradually became clearer, especially when Deb Fisch and Becky Phipps visited our meeting from the Traveling Ministries Program of Friends General Conference, I felt clear to say yes to the request. My name was brought forward a month ago for seasoning.

Today (5/13/07) the meeting for business approved me as clerk.

Lord, Thank you for this opportunity.
Grant me the mental acuity, the physical stamina, the emotional awareness and stability, and the spiritual strength to help the meeting in this role.
May I be of service.

12 comments:

kathy said...

"May the Lord bless and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numb 6:24-26)

Robin M. said...

Congratulations, sweetheart. I look forward to this new adventure with you. I've never been married to the clerk of my meeting before.

Martin Kelley said...

Hi Chris: I can certainly see you exercising the care and tenderness needed to serve your meeting this way. That's great.

I served as Atlantic City's co-clerk for a year but that was pre-kids and before my partner Julie left Friends. Nowadays its hard enough to even get to a meeting regularly enough to be a familiar face. Blessings to you and Robin on the independent-kid phase of your life!
Martin

Liz Opp said...

Hey, Chris.

In keeping with the spirit of your closing prayer on your post:

May you stay humble and low so that you can follow God that much more closely;

And may you hold onto your sense of humor, which will go a long way.


I'm glad Way has opened for you to be of service to the meeting and a servant to the Spirit at this time.

Blessings,
Liz Opp, The Good Raised Up

Chris M. said...

Kathy: That's one of my favorite passages. Thank you!

Robin: Me, too! Meaning I look forward to it. Maybe someday I'll get to be married to the clerk of my meeting. ;)

Martin and Liz: Thank you both for your kind thoughts and words.

-- Chris M.

Anonymous said...

I know this has nothing to do with your posts but will someone help me find a Mr. Dan McCracken? His words are my only hope.
He writes I think, at least he appears to be a writer. His blog gave me hope and I can not find any way to contact him. Plz help me. I need someone.
My email is loveiskatyandhaps@yahoo.com
TY...bless you all...Love,Connie

Gregg Koskela said...

May God bless your open heart and offer of service to the community!

cubbie said...

i like you, i trust you, i am excited for you. this seems like a good thing. you are steady and also growing, which are important things.

Chris M. said...

Connie -- I emailed you separately. (Dan is publisher of Barclay Press.)

Gregg and cubbie: Thank you. Yes, growth is a good thing. May I continue to be open to it!

Barbara B said...

Chris, I'm excited for you and for your Meeting. I have faith that you will indeed remain humble and will follow God. See you this weekend at Quarterly Meeting.
BarbaraB

Paul L said...

All I can say, Friend, is: No cross, no crown.

Chris M. said...

Barbara - Thank you!

Paul - Thank you, I think! :)