Coming Up for Air

Today, Northeastern Seminary sponsored a Women's Conference - Gender and the Bible. I wanted to go, but not for reasons of feminist interest. I wanted to connect with women of high education and moral standards, to rub shoulders with people on a level beyond myself, to challenge and encourage and get my mind off the mundane picayune problems into a more elevated pursuit of loftier aspirations.

I had every intention of catching all the seminars that happened before I had to be at work at 1. I had signed up for the luncheon with a keynote speaker from Gordon Conwell seminary (and I was a bit intrepid since I have heard of them, and some of the stories were pretty leftist.). But life pulled and pushed, and I only got to go to the luncheon. (literally, I spent half the morning at the lab trying to give them enough blood for the tests the doctor had ordered. They must have stuck me dozens of times, all to no avail. My arms ache horribly. They finally took it from my wrist, with severe warnings not to try this at home).

The glimpse was enough. Our accomplished speaker spoke 17 languages, had published many books, had worked with and launched a number of non-profit organizations to help abused women, was a humanitarian. She had a doctoral degree and had taught for many years. She was engaging, witty, with a charming sense of humor, and most of all, encouraging. AND she was not young. You get to a point in your life when you think you are over the hill and have nothing more to offer, especially when those around you have no vision, can't see what you are working so hard to accomplish.

But today was like coming up for a breath of fresh air, seeing the possibilities, getting a second wind, pulling up out of the mire and muck and trying again. Telling yourself that you are neither crazy nor too old, but merely needing to persevere. It will be OK. Others have gone before to blaze the way. If they can do it, so can I despite all weights and hindrances.

So I take a deep breath and put my hands to the wheel. Tomorrow I will renew my efforts to establish Jairus House. Even if I don't get the whole ball of wax, I can get enough momentum going until its a downhill race.