While waiting in the narthex for the processional, I heard our priest talking with an usher. The usher was saying the church looked empty. Our priest agreed: "It's as empty as a one-car funeral," he said. "I'm counting down to retirement." Then he laughed.

He burned out a long time ago. He's into "stewardship campaigns."

What happens to turn a vocation into a job?

It's brave to leave when it's time. Leaving meant you could continue a creative relationship with the Mystery that intrigued you and made you jump on your bed with joy--I love that image.

Who knows where your love will take you now? Wherever you go, your influence will go to, because you chose to keep your relationship alive.

I'm glad often that I stumbled across your path, because you've already brought me real joy--you listen and think with me.

I, too, am in love with the Mystery that made us, and that's my own vocation.

I trust in the process, moment to moment.