James Derkits

 Sometimes I long for my years at VTS (Virginia Theological Seminary.) There are certainly the friends and faculty that I miss, but the environment and the expectation to be growing, learning, and exploring faith and spirituality are what I think I really miss. I read quite a bit (currently A History of God by Karen Armstrong), but there's something about setting aside the time and space; something about being with fellow sojourners that makes the experience that much richer. I am so thankful for the continuing education requirements of our church, and for the support and time to grow, learn, and explore (including the financial support of Trinity by the Sea and the Diocese of West Texas!) I believe that, as a leader in a spiritual community, if my own spiritual journey is not active, then there's not much I can offer to others...the well runs dry. Of course, I am fed by the weekly practice of writing sermons, writing this blog, etc., but to get away for some serious soul...

At a recent baptism, we got playful in our conversation about the symbolism of water: we considered all the ways we use water in daily life, and why it is such a powerful symbol. Washing, drinking, and cooking are very important, but soon we remembered how we use water recreationally (How could we forget that, living here?) Specifically, we talked about surfing. Early on in my conversations with folks about surfing, as I was struggling to learn some basics, someone said, "You don't really catch the wave, the wave catches you." What wisdom! What a wonderful thing to consider when reflecting on what our baptism means, and what the life with the Holy Spirit is all about. A few years ago, I learned the metaphor our Celtic Christian friends use for the Holy Spirit. Instead of a docile dove, they use the image of the Wild Goose! What a very different set of qualities for the Spirit. A Wild Goose is always on the move, and is something we may spend a lifetime c...

 I played golf once with my "best buddy" when I was in 3rd grade. I remember looking for golf balls, and his dad telling me it was okay that I lost them, and maybe I could just ride in the cart for a while. This year after hanging around our 6th Annual Trinity by the Sea Golf Tournament , I feel inspired to try again. I've already heard rumor of some less than perfect golfers I may try to tag along with so I don't drag anyone down.  All that to say, even though I have not played golf in the past, I may try to put my toes in the water. I mean, it's for a good cause, right? I have until May 1st to at least learn a little etiquette. What I really learned, about our tournament anyway, is that it's about having fun. We had such a great time, form the volunteers, to the staff at Palmilla, to most importantly, the players! (See the winning team in the above picture. The winners were having fun!) Each year brings it's challenges of hustling raffle ite...