Morning Coffee

The coffee mug is a small token of appreciation given to members of the South Carolina Society of Chaplains members. Our new president, Tamara Flinchum, recommended the idea and it seems that the membership has enjoyed the thoughtful gift--me too! I had my morning coffee in it today and it was a bit celebratory given the fact I just finished my third and final year as president for the Society. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve, yet a bit grateful that my time is up. It’s like having a part-time job without pay in some respects. The “pay” is having the opportunity to lead and to share in the friendship and collegiality of some of the best chaplains in the United States. I kid you not!

After our fall meeting last Friday I had a celebratory meal and drink with my good friend Rev Paul Hamilton. He is the director of pastoral care at The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg. The meal and drink at Chili’s in Lexington were great. Even better yet was sharing a meal with a friend. Serving as president of the Society has allowed me the opportunity to make deeper friendships with other chaplains from across the Palmetto State. It has also allowed me to attend meetings where excellent speakers have presented and shared their ideas and pastoral care expertise. The friendship and education events are twice a year: spring and fall and usually at the offices of the South Carolina Hospital Association in Columbia. The Society is one of many professional membership groups. Dues are 80 dollars a year and worth the money in my humble opinion.

This week (October 19-25) is Pastoral Care Week in the USA. It is a week where chaplains, pastoral caregivers, and spiritual caregivers (same idea…different words) celebrate the spiritual and pastoral care given to people in times of need. The work is unending but an occasional celebration is always good. This year’s theme is titled, “Spiritual Well-Being,” which is certainly a noble goal for all. I hope you are able to give yourself time to enjoy life and work on your spiritual well-being this week too.