Just returned from the quarterly meeting for the Pacific NW quarter of North Pacific yearly meeting (there's a mouthful!) At home we just call it Lazy F, because that is the retreat center where it's held.

I felt my daughter's absence quite intensely but I did find spiritual recharge as well. God bless my fellow worshippers. One of them shared a jewel that still glistens (reflecting Light)-- His Four Powers 1) the great mystery 2) the incredible power of connectedness 3) the power of Love 4) the power of truth.

This is not a perfect recount, but fairly close.

I also felt a keen sense of love for all those around me, in whom is the light and grace of God (or as Jim Wallis would say, those who are made in God's image).

I held so many sufferers in the light--friends who have attended the quarterly meeting in the past, but not now, mostly. Jana, who had a horrible accident. Nora, fighting breast cancer. Kathryn and her sister, on dialyis and awaiting kidney transplants. Deborah, whose husband is dying. Lynn, who is dying, and Margaret, her partner, at her side. Brand new wide Kristy, whose husband John died Saturday. And 10 percent of quarterly's attenders, who were not there due to illness.

All that illness weighed on me, but I am strong so I will share my light with them.

Would anyone like to share their musings from their quarterly meeting experience?