Distraction but Service

Today, August 20

Oh how I have longed to convert my journaling in Norway to the blog for history, documentation, and the communication of the joy of our pilgrimage.  I began that joyous task soon after our return from Norway on August 4,  but, I was called into Jury Duty on August 11.  I was assigned a criminal trial, attempted murder and a second charge of criminal assault. I come home tonight, wishing to continue the documentation of our Norway experience, but again, as in so many nights in the last few weeks, I am spent. Intense jury debate has been so taxing, I do not have the energy to express, in creative dialogue, those joys and celebration.  Today, the trial ended.  Hopefully the creative energies will return tomorrow.  In the midst of that trial, I received word that one of my college buddy's 39 year old son, a police officer, had died as result of the mishandling of a loaded weapon.  During these last few days I could not blog about our joy, discovery, and renewal.  My dear friends grieve.  I grieve with them.  And I grieve for those that were not served by the trial in which I tried my best to serve.  Sometimes service does not have rewards.  But one must serve.