My cousin Martha flew over to Pittsburgh from New York yesterday to attend the Service of the Living Tradition at General Assembly. We played together as children and later had our first babies about the same time.

She came to watch and cheer as I marched across the stage along with other colleagues to celebrate our new credentials. In November I received my Full Fellowship as a UU minister, and last night was the big event. It was a mix of graduation, memorial (for ministers who have died in the last year) and a huge party-style worship service.

Martha grew up Episcopalian and had never been to a 2-hour experience like this one. She said it was “very interesting” and initially wondered if she had stumbled into a Pentecostal service! I was so touched that she made the effort to be with me in that moment!

Milestones matter in our lives, and all the more when people to whom we are connected take the time to notice and celebrate with us. Jennifer Doyle was also there, cheering and taking photos, along with friends and colleagues, both present and online. I am filled with gratitude!

Let us not forget to celebrate one another so that we may all be reminded that we matter.

In wisdom & grace,

Rev. Ruth