Not going to miss it...

Next week is the Annual Conference Sessions for my Annual Conference-- the once a year meeting of clergy and designated laity to do the work of the Annual Conference. It is held in Redlands, CA on the campus of the University of Redlands. The campus is beautiful and accommodates the needs of the conference pretty well. But Redlands is smoggy and hotter than .... hell. Usually by the end of Annual Conference my sinuses are a mess (and I have a sinus migraine for about a week because of the smog) and the heat practically melts away any ounce if "nice" left in my soul. The schedule is long and challenging even for the healthiest of people. I've been a part of the Annual Conference Sessions planning team and the agenda chair. I've been on the floor pushing legislation and getting folks elected. And, I have had plenty of time to catch up with people I don't get to see very often.
This year I've decided not to go out there at all. The primary reason: we're in week 36 next week. It's a matter of time. While things are going well, I don't want to be out in the stress/smog/heat two hours away from my doctor and husband and hospital. The downside: I miss spending time with my friends for a few days-- time that we usually expect to spend together. I'll miss banana pancakes in the apartment with Molly, Karen, Amy, Joel and Krista. (Krista is in Germany now, so she's already done AC in German...I doubt she'll miss ours!) I'll miss seeing Camille get commissioned this year. I'll miss spending time with Nicole drinking Americanos talking about..well, everything. I'll miss catching up with people like Sandie who were an important part of my spiritual formation. I'll miss giving Gary grief and visiting the Conference staff in their air conditioned offices! I'll miss seeing Caroline and the youth who are in leadership I've grown to love and respect ...you get the idea....Conference is about relationships above everything else. But even as deep and wonderful as these relationships are, (after all, many of these people are like family!) I'm still quite fine with missing out this year.
It's been tough for people to get that I'll be absent this year. No matter how many ways and times I tell them, there is still scheming going on about how to get me there. My hope is that they care enough about me to just let me be!
I am excited to be around for something I've not been able to witness before...6th grade promotion at Joel's school! My husband always finishes the school year with me about 100 miles away. I plan to go and celebrate with him and his students this year.... as the commute is only a couple of miles...and support him. Not a bad trade off, I think....
For those who have gone or are preparing for Conference, blessings be with you!