CPE

I am a bit nervous about starting CPE tomorrow.  I am kind of ready to just take care of my house and quilt and go to FL visit my mother.  On the other hand, getting into the spring semester was a real gift.  I contacted VCU on Monday afternoon last week.  The director called that evening to let me know that soemone had just cancelled and therefore there was a position available if I could get the application done the next day and be prepared to attend orienation that Wednesday!  I did my part and, thankfully, orientation was postponed until tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan 18th).  So I amstarting tomorrow!  I mentioned it to one person and they started to tell me that when people have good pastors there isn'tmuch need for a chaplain.  But then she shared a really tragic story that happened to her and their family.  I hadjust been reminded that the primary purpose of the chaplain is to be a non-anxious presence for a patient and the family.  I think that is the role I ended up playing with my friend.  There was nothing I could say, there was no solution or problem to solve, it was simply a matter of listening and treasuring that I was being honored to share in this very private and intimate moment.  I really do want to do CPE, I think I am just tired and nervous because I am starting one more new thing.