From the Board, June 2011
My experience as president of the Board of Trustees has truly been a transformative one for me. My roots at TJMC have grown stronger. My knowledge of the workings of the church has expanded. My interest in the spiritual “me” has strengthened.
One of the transformational gifts I have received while at TJMC came from witnessing the role modeling of friends who are not shy in verbally sharing their friendship and love.
I love my family but had never prioritized telling them so. I love my friends but could never express that love to them. I just assumed they knew I cared. I was also afraid they thought I was a little too intense if I used the “L” word. Maybe weird even.
One of the things I have come to value is the opportunity to learn about myself as I learn from others. Overcoming the silly fear of not being able to say “I love you” (and feelings that for many years had gone unspoken) to family and friends is a gift I will cherish forever.
Recently, I was able to tell a dear friend of mine from college that I loved him. He is dying from cancer and expressing my feelings has made all the difference in the world to both of us. I would not have been able to do this a year ago. Transformative.
I can honestly say that I love and am inspired by this church and the myriad ways our community has grown together.
My wish is for you to have your own transformation experience story. It may not come from your service in a leadership role, or even while attending services in the Sanctuary. You may have a transformation story already. If you have, please share it with us. If you have not, then keep looking for it, be ready for it. You never know where and when it might happen. But it is powerful once it finds you!
Peace,
Donna Baker