Note: I will use blog posts to talk about significant events, and let the picture slideshows tell the rest of the story…
A couple of things. First of all, only 4 days into my grand journey, I have discovered an indisputable truth: Wegman’s Grocery Store in New York is the most incredible creation ever. It must have been divinely inspired, because it is absolutely heavenly. I haven’t even looked at the rest of the grocery store, but apparently you can get food items there that are virtually non-existent elsewhere.
I was mostly preoccupied with the café they have at the entrance, though: Imagine the design of a college cafeteria (buffet lines, salad bars, specialty bars, etc.), the food quality of about 5 upscale restaurants of varying cultural themes, and the coffee selection of every coffee shop in Seattle. I have never seen so many different coffee flavors in one place – and they even had iced coffee dispensers!
Of course, the more interesting story is why I was there. Every Thursday, my pastor meets a group of other nearby United Methodist pastors for lunch. They use these lunches to bounce ideas off of one another, to share what has been going on in their varying ministries, and in large part to simply detox from the stresses of the job with others who can relate.
I felt privileged to be there. It’s not every day a potentially aspiring pastor gets to have lunch with three experienced people in the profession. I bet it’s like what Obama felt when he had lunch with Clinton, Carter, and both Bushes (though without the feigned niceties and intense underlying tension…).
I soon realized this was one of their few chances to relax, so I tried not to press them with questions. Even so, they were more than willing to drop bits of advice my way in the course of telling their stories. The names of local people went over my head and there were references to inside stories they had shared in the past, but I really enjoyed just listening to them talk. It was incredible how the dynamics of the conversation freely oscillated between teasing banter, profound statements, and back.
“So, my daughter was riding on a plane to Colombia, and the guy sitting next to her ends up taking her to dinner–“
“–She’s picking up guys on planes now?”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah- No, she was picked up. Anyways, so she gets to the capital of Colombia…Botoga, Bagota….”
“Bogotá.”
“That’s it. I forgot you have those drug trafficking connections.”
….a few moments later…
“But seriously, I have never seen someone your daughter’s age who is so wise and capable. And so strong in her faith. She is an incredible young woman.”
It was that kind of back-and-forth that I enjoyed getting to witness. I am so grateful to this pastor because she is doing everything she can to expose me to each aspect of the job – business meetings in the church, staff interviews, hospital visits, and even the lunch that is supposed to be a break for her! I am learning a lot about how this church understands God, Jesus, the Bible, the United Methodist Church, etc., but moreso I am learning what really goes into the job of being a pastor. And let me tell you, it is a lot more than just shaking hands and talking loud on Sunday mornings.
Life Reconciling 
Firstly, Wegman’s is proof that God loves us. Secondly, the photo of the pistachio muffin has caused me to replace my keyboard. I drooled on it and shorted it out. Thirdly, I’m glad you’ve shared around your meeting with these pastors. One thing I particularly enjoy about my work in chaplaincy is the ability to meet with colleagues and friends. This becomes particularly important in parish work though, because the expectations of “who you are” can range from reasonable to wild from your congregants. But with fellow clergy, there is the opportunity to be real, vulnerable, and relaxed. I also appreciate your humility and willingness to learn from these experienced ministers, though I hope and trust that you will also trust your instincts and intelligence as well. Your curiosity (which all ministers should have at whatever stage in their vocation) is your ally. In any case, I’m proud of you. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will go with keen insights and a willingness to learn and serve… and that means you’re likely to make this world a better place.
Let me say it was an honor to have you do the work of ministry along side of those in Lakewood. Your insights are refreshing and valuable. More adventure awaits all who are willing to step out in faith!