New Beginnings

I’ve really let this blog fall off, and that was just after it was begun. My only excuse is that life was busy.

As of May 15, I am done with my term as President of the women’s group in my parish. I served as President for 2 years and Vice-President for 2 years. I never planned to be an officer when I first got involved in the group. I figured I would just help out here and there; attend an event or two. I was just going to be a somewhat active member, but not a leader. I think this is the case of circumstances change or God works in mysterious ways.

I blame my involvement in the women’s group on my children. (Believe me, they are reaching the age when they will blame me for every perceived wrong in their lives, so I can shift some blame to them). Raising girls, and perhaps having been a girl, I am very aware of showing girls that women can do anything. Also, I’m big on the girls taking opportunities that they think they won’t like in order to develop or find some hidden talent. When our women’s group was in need of leadership, I thought the best way to teach my children was to show them. See, it is their fault.

Presently, my feelings on having spent the last several years entrenched as “somewhat” of a parish leader are ambivalent. I’m hoping that I’m not far away enough from my experience to really understand how I’ve grown or to access the skills I have developed. Right now, all I seem to see is how much is wrong. The women’s group is the most active group in a parish with more than 60 ministries. We are more prominent and available than the Parish Pastoral Council. Yet, you get the impression that we aren’t considered parish leaders by the powers that be. I think often we were considered the parish troublemakers. I’ve seen too much politics. I’ve seen a community where men and the little actual work they do is valued much more than women and the work they do. I have seen the odd way volunteers are treated and respected. I’ve seen too many people say they are going to commit to something, exist things are done their way, not follow through and then I had to be prepared to make the event happen. So, honestly I’m frustrated with the politics and the work ethic that exist, and I feel to initiate any change until the hierarchy of the parish changes.

On the other hand, I have met women with whom I would not have a chance to associate. I’ve met older ladies that have caused me to blush with the stories. I’ve met women who own businesses. I’ve met women who have changed careers in their lifetime. I’ve met women who have chosen to stay home with children. I’ve met a lot of women who feel the parish, the Church and religion are a big part of their lives. I have met a lot of interesting people, all with stories to tell. Many of these people have shared their wisdom and experiences with me. I am honored to consider many of these women my friends.

Often, someone ask me what I plan on doing now. I tell them I’m going to just observe from the pew. Many people laugh and insist that there is no way I can do that. I’m about two weeks into the observing period. It’s driving me nuts. I think I have to stop observing and put on blinders. Maybe then I won’t see issues or feel the need to jump up and do something to assist in a situation. Then what scares me even more is thinking about all the people who are sitting there wearing blinders. But, I can now understand why it happens. Now, I guess, the real issue is if I a going to allow myself to wear blinders or to battle the issues.