Remember that it took the good part of two semesters to finally feel like the church community liked and respected you and that was as a seminarian intern. Imagine what it will be like as full-blown clergy.

Remember what a beautiful day this Easter was. Remember when someone introduced you as “the preacher.”

Remember the woman who stopped you to talk about her faith and how much she appreciated your nod to feminist theology. Remember that your sermon inspired her to go home and re-read Sallie McFague, to revisit a turning point in her faith journey and understanding of God. Remember that God used you to speak to her experience as a fellow woman and to encourage her to advocate for a continued female voice at that congregation.

Remember how after the passing of the peace, the guy who first made you feel like this church was somewhere that you wanted to be hugged you from behind and told you what a great preacher you were. Remember that he said this on a day when you didn’t even preach.

Remember to ask for help, like when you know you couldn’t reach the candles to light them. It’s not your fault that you’re short.

Remember the awe of the children and the visitors who had never been to an Easter Vigil when all the lights came on when we said, “Alleluia! He is risen!” After sitting in the dim candlelit sanctuary for over an hour, remember the joy in your heart to hear the bells and see the lilies uncovered. Remember the little boy who asked quite loudly if Noah was REALLY 600 years old.

Remember how the Kingdom of God can look like an Easter egg hunt or a Mardi Gras pancake breakfast or just the simple act of watching the congregation process up the center aisle to receive communion.

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