An update from Gita Grady
Gita Grady
I know many of you have been curious about my journey. From the season of Advent and right through the waiting season of Lent and into Easter joy, I have walked faithfully wondering how my next steps will unfold. In talking with my friends at Saint James’, it seems many of us are in waiting and growing periods of our lives. Some are struggling with the current economy and fallout of war, some with their health or the health of a loved one, some are wondering where to find God amidst their current stressors. Today while walking I noticed a beautiful oak tree that at first glance, seemed to be dead. All the trees around it were wearing bright spring green, or bursting with pink and white blooms. The oak stood tallest among them, but without any show of spring growth. As I admired the bare branches, I took the scene as a reminder that each living thing grows and changes at its own pace, and that pace is part of God’s symphony. The oak will leaf out in its own time and at its own pace, and when it does, it will be glorious. I have come to understand that God speaks to each of us in times and ways that we are best equipped to hear. So, I am not surprised that right after noticing that oak tree, I had the blessing of a good conversation with an acquaintance (soon to be friend!). She was moved to chat with me this morning about how, through our faith in Jesus, each of us grows and changes at our own pace. Desert times, when we do not see or feel God can be confusing, especially when we are surrounded by beautiful blooms and the promise of spring. Sue Monk Kidd, in her book “God’s Joyful Surprise,” calls those times “waiting” times and shows in her story that they are meant to be; they are a part of our growth journey.
While in my own waiting period these past two weeks, craving that Easter reassurance, I was reading ahead in the lectionary. I found support for those waiting times in the epistle for May 3. In his first letter, Peter writes that “Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-10) I think we all long sometimes for things to be simple, pure, and clearly spiritual. We might even long for things to be “pure” but we are chasing our own idea of pure. God’s plan for our spiritual growth often differs from our expectations, yet when we look at the longer arc of our lives, we do indeed see that the Lord is good.
I am happy to say my path is more clear now and I can share more of my journey. After one is accepted as a postulant to Holy Orders, one then enters a “seminary discernment” process, which means finding the best fit for growth from a lay person to a clergy person. It really does not surprise me to be telling you that things did not happen as I expected (and wished!). Thus, you have not heard much from me. At last it is Easter, and to go with this joyful season, I have a surprising update. I will be attending Virginia Theological Seminary on campus for my first academic year of seminary (coming home on weekends). This is an unexpected hurdle for me and my family that I know will be both a challenge and a blessing. I will continue to pray about my next faithful steps, but at this time I am planning to return to my employment with the school division in 2027 and complete my seminary years through a remote program. For those of you smirking about how God may or may not have the same agenda, I see you! I am also happy to share that I will be spending time this summer at Christ Church in Brandy Station as part of a “mini internship” that will be a stepping stone on the beginning of my seminary journey. This means I will not be seeing much of you, my Saint James’ friends and supporters, after May. I trust that your prayers and friendship will continue to bless my path ahead, and I do expect to see you in the future, whether out and about in Warrenton, or on a visit to my home at Saint James’. I pray each of us, whether a Saint James’ friend or an unexpected spiritual companion, will grow through our waiting times and cherish these glorious Easter times whenever they bless us.
Warmly,
Gita
