Been away for awhile...kinda got caught up in a whirlwind. Stopped to breathe today...watched the sunset. Smiled at some old memories. Cried at some others. This journey is at the same time sublime and bitter. In the recognition of time passing, you realize that....it's passing. Ah, those memories. But oh the stories that are as yet unwritten. Just what lies around the next corner? Hmmm?

My but God does have a sense of humor. Baby on the way..yep, bout the end of February. God is filled with surprises. Didnt think I would be a father of a newborn at this point in my life. Getting excited and scared as the day draws closer. It just goes to show you that when you think you have everything planned out, God says, "uh, just a second...let me show you what I had in mind". Such is my world. Laughter, tears, suprises, joy,sorrow, angst and peace....sounds like life doesnt it? Celebrate you, celebrate the ones you love, celebrate this moment.

L'chayim!

And so life goes on,

At a steady pace, with flurries of activity and scattered showers of measureable progress. But what is progress when you are charged with the "Soul Care" of a flock? Is it in the ah-ha moments during Bible Study when someone presents the text in such a simple way that a child could understand it (or even a seminary student)? Or is it the tears that fall at funerals when you are called to express hope in the midst of the seemingly insourmountable evidence of hopelessness? Perhaps it is those times when someone says, "we sure are glad you are here" and you can't for the life of you understand what you have done to affect anything. It might be that in the Pastoral role that progress cannot be measured, but rather like the breath of the spirit it blows where it will. We cannot know, but only believe. My thoughts go out to the new batch of seminary graduates. God bless you wherever the spirit may send you. Be at peace, God has you covered.