I remember the opening credits of a western that was on television for maybe a year or two when I was a child. The cavalryman had been accused of a major dereliction of duty, what I don’t remember. But as the theme song typical of 1960s television was sung by a full choir explaining the man’s crime, the soldier’s uniform was being ripped piece by piece of its medals and distinguishing marks until the man was left wearing just a plain blue shirt and the opening credits faded into the story. You didn’t know what was going to become of the man…but you knew he definitely wasn’t a soldier anymore. From the determined look on his face, you kinda thought the story would turn out alright for him…
Yes, this has been a challenging transition, re-entering the academic world after a twenty-five year sabbatical. I have been stripped of all the accoutrements of my former life as a competent professional woman, spiritual director, health policy duffer, helpful friend, regular shopper at Whole Foods...I am indeed wearing a plain blue shirt, marking a life in transition. But, oh what a transition! I am learning to chant this semester (even though I keep telling them in my deepest Texas accent, "Thar ain't no chantin' in the Diocese of Texas!") as well as a class to learn to read scriptures out loud with feeling...but I have definitely decided that I will not emote to the extent I am being taught by a theater professor while reading the Gospel in my future parishes...
Like the soldier from the 1960s Western, I maintain a sense of purpose...although frequently the look on my face is more akin to weariness than determination...but I know that, with God's help, "things will turn out alright"....and I will ride into a sunset like this in another two years, headed back to Texas!
