[Magdalen] This saying No is tough

[Jay Weigel]

ISTM that Jim G's assessment is accurate, and that love for ritual and
style should not trump desire for a caring community, in the sum of things.
Scott must decide what is most important to him, and I trust that, with the
help of his therapist, he will do that.

On Tue, Sep 23, 2014 at 8:50 AM, Jim Guthrie <jguthrie at pipeline.com> wrote:

> From: Susan Hagen
>
>  It is tough but it gets much easier with practice.  The important
>> thing is to never, ever, get drawn into explanations.  No is no.
>>
>
> In Scott's situation, it may even be that the explanation will have no
> effect at all, let alone saying, "No" or even "Not right now.."
>
> From what Scott has related, he's been willing and able to do what he's
> been asked, but right now he's dealing with personal issues that need time
> and clear-thinking and relief from obligations.
>
> In a "normal" parish where there's great concern and care for each other,
> the situation would be understood, and other parish members would pitch in,
> with no explanation needed. But Scott's situation is challenging because it
> appears that neither fellow parishioners nor the Rector give much of a hoot
> about his situation.
>
> This is not about burnout, or offering ones gifts as one is able. It's
> about Christian Community, or lack of it, I think.
>
> Cheers,
> Jim Guthrie
>