[Magdalen] just a note

[Grace Cangialosi]

Jon, I don't think ordination should have anything to do with our response; we are human beings first, and I think our responses need to be genuine and heartfelt. "Thank you," of course, is always appropriate. Sometimes, if someone thanks me for something specific and adds why it was important to them, I'll say, "Thank you for telling me that--it means a lot."

Today was my last day as an interim after 5-1/2 months in a parish, so I've been dealing with some of the same things for about a week. I think the best responses are the simplest. Oh, and hugs are generally involved, as well!
Grace

> On Sep 14, 2014, at 6:14 PM, Jon Egger <revegger at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Listmates,
> 
> I have cut back my schedule to one service a Sunday due to my s
> ​arcoidosis issues.
> 
> Today a parishioner, also on the vestry, asked me what exactly sarcoidosis
> is and what my prognosis is.  As I began to explain things to him, one of
> the old curmudgeons rose to stand by me and placed his right hand on my
> right shoulder as I spoke, and listened in.  I explained everything to
> them, and how my prognosis was very poor.  The vestryman thanked me for the
> information and thanked me for coming in to work as deacon as best as I
> can.  The elderly gentleman said, "I wish you the best.  You're my deacon
> and I love you."  That is so out of character for him, and it blew me
> away.  All I could say was, "Thank you, xxx, I love you too."
> 
> I told Dawn, through tears, when I got home, about what had happened.  I
> told her I was just doing my job and felt so unworthy of such love.   Dawn
> told me that the parishioners there really love me.  (I tend to offer a nod
> and a "Thank you; I'm simply doing my job" when people compliment me.)
> It's not me, it's God, and to God be the glory, not me.
> 
> My question is, "What's an ordained person to do with such tender feelings
> from those to whom they minister?"
> 
> ​
> +++
> Grace & peace,
> jon