WORLDS ARE FORMING

"It isn't that hard to get into."

A friend pointed me to this article in the June 26th issue of the New Yorker.  David Sedaris (a brilliant author) contributed an article about his days at Princeton. 

Now, over the past few years, several people unfamiliar with the connection (or lack thereof) between the Seminary and the University, have been awed by my attending Prrrrrrinceton.  It's always kind of awkward, because you know I want to tilt my head and smile a little and play along, and say, just as Sedaris says, "It isn't that hard to get into." 

But here's the deal.  I do go to Princeton.  But.  I go to the Seminary.  Not to the University.  I'm really okay with that.  And besides, it isn't that hard to get into...and, it really isn't that great of a school.

Read my favorite part of the article below...

Thursdays = Deathdays

So.  Thursdays are my deathdays.  (Days on which I've experienced deaths at the hospital.)  A friend has his deathdays on Mondays. 

Any other CPE'rs (past or present) have their days when patients most often die?

(Is this weird for you non-CPE folk to hear?)

Does a New Banner = A New Season of Blogging?

Yes, yes. A new banner, thanks to Adam Cleaker.  (Thanks, bro.) 

Friends, I am sorry for making so many empty promises to you in recent weeks.  Life has been happening.  Life has been good.  My life has not been my blog. 

I want to share many things on here.  Finishing up at Princeton.  Time at Holy Cross Monastery.  Boston.  Cape Cod.  Molly.  Walker Cleaveland Wedding.  Ithaca, NY.  Squatting in Princeton.  Road Trip.  Home.  CPE.  Los Angeles.  Family.  Faith.

I'll share some of it.  Soon.  Until then, look at my new banner and my updated picture, ok?

xoxo
Josh

...So here's the deal...

I am feeling very vulnerable right now.

In recent days, I have been sent various emails and have received several phone calls regarding my lack of activity in blogdom.  Some correspondence has been kind, understanding, and affirming. 

Others...have thrown vicious, slanderous words around, saying that I am a "liar," that I "hate blogs," and that I am "losing face in the blog world."  I am so hurt.  So.  Hurt.

...ya....

Working 8 to 5.  That's a new thing for this guy.  I've never had a job like this...I've always had flexible hours, where I could really make my own hours each day.  You know what the worst part is?  I am ALWAYS hungry.  No joke.

It has been a good week.  I've used lots of nonviolent communication.  Lots of "I feel" statements.  Lots of "what I hear you saying is __________...is that right?" reflective statements. 

I'll be on three different floors two post-partum floors, one telemetry floor.  Though I am intimidated by the work still, I also feel really peaceful about it, and know that God has equipped me with gifts for this ministry...I just need to DO it.  So, Friday is the first day I'll be with patients on the floors.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

Your prayers, as always, are appreciated.

Umm...

A real update.  Soon.  I promise.

I am about to head off to my first day of my chaplaincy internship / CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) in Seattle.  Sort of feels like the first day of school...I don't really know what to expect, where I need to go, if my clothes are cool enough, if my binder will be better than everyone else's, etc.  It will be a good day, though, I know. 

I read this tongue in cheek quote from Brennan Manning this morning, but it feels especially relevant for this "first day."

      "Be who you is, because if you is who you ain't, you ain't who you is."

So be it.

The Silence is Broken...Sort Of.

Greetings, friends! 

After two and a half weeks on the road, I am back.  Well...almost.  I just got back in to Princeton, where I've lived like a vagabond today...sitting in Small World, working out in the gym, showering in the gym locker room, cleaning my car in front of the gym, meandering about town. 

I fly out to Seattle in a few hours.  It has been an amazing May, glorious to be with people, glorious to be without my computer, and I am excited to tell you about it.  Look for updates in a few days.

God is faithful.
Josh