A Different Rhythm

FRI., JAN. 2, 1998, 7:12 AM
FARM, STUDY

I used this term, rhythm, in the previous Teaching, the one on the last day of 1997. You look back on this year, just past, and you note that it had quite a mixed quality. The Spring semester was a regular, busy one, with three classes and other expected responsibilities. Then came the early summer, with your last class in Human/Spiritual Interacting, quite a satisfying but also a taxing experience. Next came a flight to Hawaii, and a good but busy week there, in that pleasant place.

Back… and two back-to-back two week courses on Death as a Part of Life (a title you could have used), the symbolic end to your career with a fine retirement party, and, finally, the slide into retirement… or Emeritus, as We both prefer. Your former office is no longer yours, and you are beginning to feel some comfort in your new one. The transition will linger on until the various boxes have either been emptied and the contents rearranged or brought out here, with more decisions necessary.

The rhythm of life without classes is quite well established, and it is both pleasant and a bit sad… for now there is no easy way to become acquainted with the coming group of students. It has to be part of this new rhythm… that you must develop some ways of getting to know current and future students… and accepting that this number will be small and diminishing. This time of your life should have a rhythm moving toward disengagement. For one who has been as active in discovering how and what learners think and feel as you have been this rhythm has some pain to it. Appreciate this, for it is not a time to fight against it.

Oh, you know that I have suggested a student group to meet, say, monthly, to discuss selected Teachings. You like the idea, but you still are reluctant, for some combination of reasons. You can project that if you don’t do it this Spring semester you’ll lose the contacts with these current students, now interested, and it will become more difficult to start up. I’m suggesting this, but I’m still leaving it up to you.

Your church experience also is changing somewhat. You have one important task, the Newsletter, and you shall lead a Forum this Spring, but leadership is seeping away from you, and you’re not sure what to do about this. You are following My basic suggestion: be friendly, meet new people, get to know some of these, and accept any tasks offered you (like the one from Judy on the Eve). Accept some disengagement here, too, for active leadership naturally passes on to others, usually those who are younger and ready for responsibility. You haven’t wanted to be as disengaged as some of your older friends in the congregation, but accept that movement in this direction is appropriate to the rhythm you’re now developing.

You have two “pledges” to keep in relation to Lenore and your life here. Don’t let these slide. They’re important, and you must take time for these.

It seems impossible to “unclutter” this study, and I realize the conflict with your office on campus, but I’m pushing you to better judgment in relation to “keeping things” and keeping life simpler. Perhaps rearrangement would help. I’m not against such an attempt. Just remember that the collection of My teachings to you is the most valuable content of this room… and these are to be reviewed and revisited, not just “warehoused”. They must be fundamental to your new rhythm.