When I think that this is my final Beacon column, I make it too big of a deal. So, I’ll begin by making it smaller and more manageable. I began my last report to the Board by saying: because there is so much to say, perhaps I should stop here, maybe nod, look around and smile and simply say thank you. It has been a pleasure working and growing and living with you. Thank you for being who you are. And for us being this congregation together.
There. That’s better. Now I can go on: many of you have asked what I am going to do when I retire. It’s probably about time that I prepared an answer. My first response has been to say I am going to see what arises when more of my mental bandwidth is freed up. I am looking forward to having the opportunity and space to live into more fully occupying myself when I am not preoccupied. Then, in an effort to add some recognizable structure because I’m a little unsure
what I just said was enough of an answer, I might say that I have plans for the summer: a wedding for a special friend and minister in San Francisco in July and then the first week of
August I will be leading the morning sessions on Hope and Spirituality as part of the Climate Justice Conference at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. Yes, I have a writing project
that wants to get done and general plans for home improvements, gardening, travel and play.
And if that’s not enough you might add guitar, Spanish, computer and taking the time to figure out how to use the electronics in my car to my list of good intentions. But I will stop here, before I get too pre-occupied. And while there’s still space to name and remind myself of the most important opportunity and gift that is opening before me, the time and emotional energy to deepen personal friendships and my relationships with the people I love.
Yes, I plan to live here and continue to enjoy my small town routines. I guess my retirement elevator speech could be: I plan to stay here, occupy myself, befriend my friends, and love my loves—not necessarily in that order. There. That’s better.
In my Board report I noted how many highly qualified ministers wanted to come to be the minister of UUFH—to be your minister. And your top choice, the Rev. Don Rollins had UUFH as his top choice. How wonderful is that?!?
It all matched up. You couldn’t have situated the congregation any better for a bright future. This column becomes another step in the ongoing process of letting go and handing off the ministry of this strong, beloved Fellowship. Welcome, Don!
UUFH is going to be in the best of hands. So now I do look around, nod and smile and simply and deeply say thank you. Thank you friends. It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve as your minister. It has been a pleasure to work and grow and live with you. Thank you for being who you are. And for us being this congregation together. Thank you for sharing your hospitality with me.
May you continue to do what you do so well: Take good care.
—Jim McKinley