Chaplaincy?

Greetings from SE Wisconsin, currently the land of high 90's and wicked humidity. I've had to walk Dima pre-5 am or post-9 pm, and even then he launches himself into the lake as soon as he's able--nothing like the smell of wet dog before you go to bed! But I feel sorry for the hairy bastard . . . .

On to some different thoughts.

It has been good to be back at Froedtert Hospital. Though I'm not crazy about my actual job duties, I love the people I work with: nurses, surgeons, residents, care techs, chaplains, transporters, and fellow communicators. They are quality people who care well for people . . . . Lately I've been getting to know one of the rabbis who comes in the mornings to see patients before they go into surgery. We've been discussing his career as a chaplain and the pros and cons of the profession. Over the past few years I've entertained the idea of becomig a chaplain. It's a job that requires more listening than talking (something I prefer, believe it or not!) and I love that it interacts with different faiths. At Froedtert we have a host of faiths represented in the chaplaincy department, which I love. I've known for a long time that I could never work in a church setting, as I crave discussions with those who have come to different conclusions about life than myself . . .and I love how those conversations enrich and shape me. I don't condemn those who prefer a church setting--I just know that it would be a recipe for disaster should I go that route.

Back to chaplaincy: for a few years I've considered chaplaincy in a Children's Hospital setting, and over the past few months the idea has been screaming at me for attention. I haven't said much to anyone about it, because I wondered if it was just the yearly restlessness with the current job that was surfacing (see my resume--it's ridiculous), just like previous years. I'm one of those people who is addicted, maybe, to "newness." Jobs, places to live, people, cultures, etc.. I have a need for new adventures. However, with my return to Scony, I think I might be settling into what I love (and maybe what I've always loved, for that matter). I love Oconomowoc and the concerts by the American Legion band in the bandshell on Wed. nights. I love the people who are kind to you when you pass them on the sidewalk. And I love the lakes. I really love the lakes . . . . And there is my apartment, which could not be more perfect, and my dog, and my family close by--the list goes on. Maybe I'm settling down, or growing up, or both. Either way, I'm trying to bring my love for people--especially those who are hurting--together with my love for home.

With that all said, I've decided to see my contract through Decemeber at Thistledew, and I will then be working only at Froedtert. Once I've put my 6 months in there, I'll access my tuition benefits through the hospital and work on finishing up my MDiv, most likely at North Park in Chicago. I only need 5 more credits on campus, and I'll then be able to finish everything up via online classes. With a couple of week-long intensives, meeting those requirements shouldn't be a problem, and I'm actually looking forward to checking in with a couple of professors I connected with during my previous schooling there. I've always respected the Covenant tradition and ideology . . .I love their concerns for social justice, biblical equality, and cultural diversity. I think it would be wise for me to finish there, though I've been investigating an Episcopalian seminary 15 minutes away from where I currently live. And did I mention that I love the UCC church I've gone to on occasion when I've been home? Not even within Christianity can I stick to one denomination! Call it my need for the bigger picture. :) Again, another reason why I would probably actually stay in a career of hospital chaplaincy . . . .

Whew. A lot said there, but it's good to get it in print.