Convention

This will be my twenty-ninth diocesan convention as a priest.  I find myself grateful for a number of things: the convention has been in this location for the last four years (at least). I know where things are, so I don't need to spend energy on things like finding the bathroom.  Instead I can spend energy connecting with people new and old, just for the sake of connecting.  I am not running for any office.  I am not volunteering for anything. I may wear a collar, then again, maybe not.  I can be present, free and clear.  So I will.

This morning I thank God

For breakfast on my own,

For no small and smaller conversation

With ten people

In a restaurant,

People I enjoy at 2:30 in the afternoon

But 8:00 AM?

Almost everyone pales

At 8:00 AM.

Especially me.

This morning I thank God

For familiar spaces.

I know already

Where I will register

Where we will meet

Where the bathrooms are.

There is comfort

In familiar spaces.

I will not have to reorganize

The synapses

Of my brain

To find my way around.

I will not need the equivalent

Of a therapy dog,

Though a dog is always

A nice option.

This morning I thank God

For the choices I am blessed

To be able

To make

And the choices

I no longer need to make.

I thank God this morning

For the people I will meet,

The nametags we all

Will wear.

I can spend the synapses

Of my brain

On more important things:

Being present one to one

Then again

Being present

One to one.