One Woman's Perspective

By Ashley Lasbury, President of the Governing Board

Blessings

Can you imagine politicians in Washington taking a pledge to be nice to each other, to put the needs of the country before the needs of their party, the next election, or their home district? Can you imagine eating as much chocolate or drinking as much tea as you wanted without adverse side effects? Can you imagine children who always respond to requests from their mother by saying with a smile, "Yes, Mom. I will do that right now. And by the way, you look lovely."

Alas and alack, reality is far different. But this I know. I am blessed and so is First Parish. We are blessed by our rich and deep history. We are blessed by Kitsy and Will, who have gone above and beyond in their ministries to ensure that they leave us in as healthy and as strong a place as possible as we journey forward with our new called minister. We are blessed with a Meeting House that inspires and embraces us with its beauty. We are blessed when Terry, the choir, and other musicians stir our souls. We are blessed by Allison who is leading us into a new era of Religious Exploration for old and young alike. We are blessed by Jonah in the office who keeps us connected to each other and the greater community. We are blessed by Moe who cares for our physical spaces, and his wife Cheryl who cares for our youngest children and helps us remember the wonder of each season and holiday. Blessings abound within our community.

Each of these blessings comes with a price tag. Each member of our staff has bills to pay. Each is sustained, not only by their work, but by the paycheck they receive from First Parish. My stewardship letter will convey the hard realities of our financial situation. By far the largest portion of our budget consists of salaries for those who make these blessings possible. And so I ask you to look into your hearts and ask yourselves, "What are these blessings worth to me?" As a single Mom who, with three ravenous teenagers, frequently has more month than money, my answer is: more then words can tell. That's why I am going to give this year until it hurts. No? until it feels good. I count my blessings and know their worth. Do you?