Falling Upward: Forma Tapestry Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico

It is fitting that I wrap up my last year as Christian Education Director coming to the annual Forma conference to a place I've always felt drawn to, but have never been to.

I didn't feel it was appropriate for me to use my Christian Education budget on this year's conference since I won't have a chance to implement many of the things I learn this week before I retire at the end of the school year. But I felt very strongly that I needed to come and be among the other educators and christian formation folks that I have formed a close bond with over these many years. So I am here on my own dime (with a partial scholarship I applied for and got from Forma), despite Father Chip's insistence I let Grace pick up some of the costs.

Forma (we used to be NAECED) is not only a place to share ideas and learn from each other. It is also a place for renewal for the us all. Burn-out runs rampant for those of us that choose this ministry. This is a time to be peaceful. Pray. Rest. Reconnect with ourselves. And with God.

I can't think of a more beautiful place to do that than here in New Mexico. If you know me, you know I am in my element here with morning yoga class, meditation, southwest decor and candles...everywhere. Yikes. I think I might stay here forever.

I spent the afternoon checking in to the conference and meeting up with old friends from around the country. Tonight is dinner and the first plenary session with Richard Rohr on his book, Falling Upward. We each received a copy and I am anxious to begin reading it. Rohr, a Franciscan priest in New Mexico,  gives us an understanding of how there are two distinct parts of our lives and that the disappointments we suffer in the first half can be stepping stones to the spiritual joys that the second half has in store for us.

Tomorrow I'll share with you some of the workshops I attend and ideas that we could apply back home at Grace.