Sage Advice From Those with Experience
During a reunion luncheon of retired clergy in the Dallas diocese, former deacons and priests offered heartfelt advice to those newly ordained.
- Take care of yourself and be sure to have a designated day off so that you do not get eaten up by people who just "must" see you at that time. You can't care for others if you don't care for yourself.
- Continue to be faithful to the Lord and give thanks for our heritage in the Anglican Communion.
- Don't take yourself too seriously. It is really a fun and rewarding way of life. Be willing to share your true self.
- On Sunday wash your hands before the noon meal. Take your day off --off. Exercise. Determine ahead of time what an emergency is.
- Stay flexible in as many ways as possible.
- There's a time for everything under the heavens. Pray constantly, love mightily, and if in doubt, consult constantly with Ecclesiastes and the Rule of St. Benedict.
- Set boundaries for yourself and your family. Always take your vacation. It is so important to laugh, have fun and delight in God's beautiful creation.
- Go for walks alone without your cell phone. Find a spiritual director and make it a priority. You and your spouse should have a regular play day. Remember and keep doing the fun things you did as a lay person. Pray for the people you do not like.
- Buy the "Rule of St. Benedict" with commentary by Joan Chitester, read it, live it.
- Have a ministry of faithfulness.
- Remember what the gentile person said to one of the disciples, "Sir we would see Jesus."
- In regards to vestry meetings -- in the words of St. Paul -- "Pray without Ceasing."
- Relationship with God first, with spouse and family second, everything else third.
- Be faithful to the word (as best you're able to grasp it). And, remember if you're not disliked by some, you've been unfaithful.
- Let your "yes" be yes, and your "no" be no!
- Have oil of unction and the pyx (the blessed bread) with you at all times.
- Take care of yourself. Take your vacation, retreat and day-off seriously. No church business, including sermon prep - except for true emergencies. Questions about the bake sale can wait! Teach your congregation to respect those boundaries.
- Laugh -- enjoy life and enjoy your work. It's the one "job' we never have to wonder if there's something else we should be doing.