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The spot for the good news, the good word, the quick reports of the many, many wonderful news items I hear all the time and want to share with the rest of you. Expect to find the good news when you come to check out "what’s the good word?"

Friday, October 28, 2011

Last

This is my last regular contribution to What’s the Good Word. More than six hundred posts ago, we launched this blog as a way to stay in touch with the membership of Canada East Mission. It was intended to be somewhat less formal than memos to pastors or weekly announcements. It was offered to any who wanted to read it, no directions, no filters. We meant to let the general population know of all the positive things that were going on in the various congregations and neighbourhoods around our extended Community.

We decided to focus on the idea of the Good Word and to keep our news upbeat. That really hasn’t been difficult, as the good deeds continue to happen and to spread! Our blog evolved as Mission President Carman joined in with an occasional good word too. His participation now is roughly half the postings, so he won’t have any problem continuing as the primary blogger. (But please encourage him with the occasional response; it makes him feel good when you comment.)

In talking about the future of the CEM Blog, Carman and I have identified several ways we have benefited. Identifying a “good word” or a “reportable item” has given our ministry an important focus. We’ve never collaborated or consulted with one another about what we’ll post; and yet, we almost always find ourselves lifting up similar issues or questions or wonderful observations we’ve noted in our travels and communications around the Mission. Sometimes our “news” turns into an almost-meditation as we try to articulate feelings we’re having or struggles we’re thinking about. We long ago decided that these too qualify as “good words.” So those postings that feel more like poems have crept into our blog.

Both of us have poetic tendencies, as you’ve noticed. And this has been an excellent writing practice for me. But herein lies the reason for my decision to make this my “last post.” I really do want and intend to establish an ongoing writing practice. I need to shift my focus from a daily five-hundred word commentary on a current Mission issue and let it loose into whatever new country my imagination needs to explore. I need to unhitch my thoughts from the discipline of regular blog-writing into something new.

I believe Carman intends to allow me the occasional guest blogger position. I know he needs to change his implied promise to a daily blog. He may even be able to recruit some other guests to help him maintain this essential conversation. In other words “What’s the Good Wordwill continue! But for me, I wish him and all of you a bright future. Thank you for all your encouragement, for your faithful reading and thoughtful reflections. This is my last regular post, but I’ll let you know when my writing practice yields something new for you to read (perhaps even a personal blog, eventually). Meantime, keep on with following “What’s the Good Word.”

Posted by Marion

12 comments:

  1. Marion:

    As you know I have been a faithful Bog reader since it's inception, I look forward to reading this daily inspiration. Truly both of you have amased me with the varied, personal yet always communal message. Thatnk you for all that you have contributed to me personally and to the community at large. I won't say I'll miss you, because I hope to see, and talk to you often enough that I don't miss seeing/hearing from and about you. God bless you as you begin your new vocation, I know you will enjoy it as much as all of us retirees.

    Mel

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  2. Thank you Mel, for being a faithful reader and for your reliable reflections back to our various thoughts and observations. i have so appreciated your genuine interactions and feedback about our various blog-thoughts. You are indeed a trusted friend,
    Marion

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  3. Last. This cannot be a good word. Unless you're last because last will become first, thats's a promise.
    To simply fill one's shoes is usually an impossible task. This to, is an "usual" circumstance. We will endeavor to keep moving forward, placing one foot at a time in front of the other. Just like the crew, including you Marion that have helped move mountains before us. When I first came on board at 390, I was itimidated by the knowledge and commitment and accomplishments and... from this office. You personally have helped me fulfill my sense of calling in my life. Ijust would like to say, very formally, a big Thank You for being an instrument that plays a role in my life. I tip my hat.....God Bless
    Tim

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  4. Aw shucks, gee thanks Tim, And let me tell you that one of the things that makes me feel just fine about moving on is that you are now there taking up what will be your part of this mission task.

    PS, have you considered blog writing? :-)

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  5. This blog has focused us (the readers) on the positive and away from the negative, which seems to draw a disproportionate amount of our time and energy. We will miss your wit, insight and amazing command of the English language. Thank you so much for encouraging us to appreciate the little things, view challenges as opportunitities, stay connected, grow. You are a gifted minister and I look forward to your continued (alas unpaid) ministry.

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  6. Thank you Marion and Carman for the food for thought you have provided through this blog. Love the way you put those words together!!
    Looking forward to the blog continuing in what ever form that may be.

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  7. Marilyn E Carole,
    Happy to see you're both still looking forward!
    (& Marilyn, feel free to pay me if you like :-) )

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  8. As a relatively new reader of your blog, I have found it to be a great thought provoker. I will admit that many of your ideas have been shared with folks in Maryland! From a new retiree--I highly recommend it! Enjoy!

    Sally

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  9. Thanks for dropping by Sally--and for the insider's recommendation for retirement :-)
    I'm glad you've found The Good Word helpful. Keep on reading, there's plenty more to say.

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  10. Marion;

    may you have a long, healthy, happy, blessed, busy, and a whole bunch of other things, retirement.

    i am going to miss your blog posts. i like carman's posts too because they are excellent but i will miss reading the posts with your voice in my head. you have given all of us many things to think about, you have imparted of your wisdom, you have made us feel a part of what you have seen and perceived. you very much deserve your retirement, and, though most of us likely wish you were not retiring at all, we can recognize that you have given us your best work, your modest pride, your earnest faith and your deepest loyalty. i will miss knowing you are at the office but will keep you around as a friend and mentor. you have been a blessing to so many, for so long!

    i look forward to what is to come from Carman and whomever may be there to help him. i am certain that the quality of the blog will continue. but i can't help but glance back as we say "so long" to someone who has touched us and challenged us, and given us food for thought...

    john

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  11. Well big sister, I'm confident we're/you're about to move from something excellent to something even better; that's just the way you are. With anticipation, and wishes of great blessings in your retirement ...

    Jim

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