Yes, you’ve heard that analogy for information overload applied to everything from getting an education from MIT to navigating the internet. It certainly applies to attending a good professional conference. Most recently for me, it was the Kanuga Lifelong Christian Learning Conference I mentioned in an earlier entry. The deluge of useful information and inspiring ideas for setting up a nursery that promotes growth, working toward the Millennium Development Goals, for large group ice breakers, activities and worship – and for education and formation programs for children, youth, and adults was so utterly overwhelming it left me unable to decide what to try to use first.

The week was divided into two parts -- with a focus on adult formation at the beginning of the week followed by workshops about serving children and youth starting on Wednesday. This format will be followed at the conference again next year. Check Kanuga’s web site as well as my own archives for photos of this year’s conference. And don’t miss it next year! It is difficult to get my job and personal life in enough order be able to get away for a week. But the pay off is enormous. There is the obvious joy that comes from having Kanuga’s staff cook, serve, and clean for you, and the beauty of sitting in rocking chairs overlooking a lake in the hills of scenic North Carolina...and the camaraderie that develops from spending time with people who share your passion for teaching and learning... and the peaceful feeling of creating lovely music with others around you (Both Paul Fromberg of St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco and Fran McKendree used music from many cultures and had us chanting and singing like angels!)

There are many professional conferences you can attend. It can be difficult to find the money and the time, but it can make the difference between feeling burned out or getting a shot of adrenaline that will help you flourish in your work for months and years to come. Check the pages of this site for some of the ideas I gathered at the Kanuga conference. And please write back and share your wisdom and experience. Together we can grab something new and change lives.