Yes, it’s official, it’s been announced, and it’s even on social media… Michael and I are engaged. He proposed to me on a lovely hike up in Briones Regional Park last weekend. We were in a small group with two other people and two dogs, when the others mysteriously disappeared from our group, leaving the two of us alone in a gorgeously romantic hilltop location. I know now that the others were co-conspirators, but I was caught quite unawares. It felt spontaneous and surprising and truly wonderful.
Ever since then we have been caught up in a whirlwind of communication. Phone calls to tearful parents and shrieking nieces, texts to far-flung friends, and the overwhelming deluge of well-wishing on social media have kept us busy. In the midst of that flurry of activity it was wonderful to announce our engagement at Celebration on Sunday morning, and we both felt touched and grateful for such a supportive and loving community. If you want to see more of Michael, he is hoping to come to MPC at Tahoe… or, another thing you can do is bid at the auction this weekend. For the six winning bidders at a dinner hosted by Lee and Helen where Michael and I will be guests, we promise to share our #1 life-changing amazing relationship tip that anybody can use. So good luck on the bidding process.
In the midst of so much excitement I have felt my center being pulled in different directions. It might be the adrenaline, or it might be spiritual, but I remembered some important advice I heard in seminary, that goes something like this:
Spending time EVERY DAY in prayer and meditation is important for your well-being…
unless you are very busy.
When you’re busy, it’s not important – it’s essential.
It is said that Martin Luther, along similar lines, recommended half an hour per day – except when busy, when only a full hour will do. In the interests of not flying off my rocker, I’m going to meditate even more than usual… and attempting to be calm even if my brain is chattering full of plans and ideas while I do so. I will be on retreat with the youth this weekend, and will be happy if I can snatch even a few minutes for meditation in the midst of all the fun.
Thanks for sharing the love, everyone!
Blessings,
Talitha