Friday Five: Word Association

Songbird writes: It's been a busy week for me, trying to get back into the routine after a post-Easter vacation. (How did it get to be Easter 3?) So to keep it simple, here's a Word Association Friday Five, with a bonus twist for those feeling creative. First, for each of these five words -- all of which remind me of my *most* excellent vacation -- share the first word that comes to mind when you read it.

1) Airport: crowded
2) Baseball boring
3) Art children
4) Chocolate dark
5) Grill asparagas

Bonus: Tell us a story that comes to mind based on one of the word pair.
T-ball is the hilarious exception to boring baseball. I have so much fun going to the games and watching them run around! Last weekend, my daughter's t-ball team was "covered" by the local news. So funny! They were so excited to be on TV ...and for the ice cream party they received! It's on my Facebook page for those who know me IRL.

Friday Five: Perks of Ministry

Hello, blogosphere! I've decided to play today's RevGal Friday Five. Kathrynzj invites us to ponder the perks of being in ministry, of which there are many.

1. In my setting, I don't have to ask permission to leave the office to take my kids to the dentist or to go see a program at their school. In the brief time I was a hospice chaplain, I hated having to fill out the personal time off form at least a week in advance and then waiting to see if I got approval. I like being more or less the boss of my own schedule.

2. As a PC(USA) pastor, I am blessed with ample vacation and study leave. Not to mention our other benefits. I am truly grateful.

3. The food..though I wish there were less of it!

4. I get paid to read books.

5. I am invited into the most sacred moments of peoples' lives. Nothing better than that.

Thanks, Kathrynzj. It's been nice on this snowy day to think about the blessings, big and small, of being a pastor.