It's been years since I wrote on this blog page. About four of them, in fact. A ton of life (sometimes a ton of bricks, at other times a ton of refreshing water) has happened. I'm thinking I might just begin to unpack some of the last few years here on this page, and think out loud about some of the things that have been and continue to be on my mind.

Most likely what will emerge is a hodgepodge of thoughts and feelings framed by a personal story, situated in the context of a larger story. Both are stories of human frailty, deep pain, courageous struggle and a flood of grace. Along the way there is struggle; in the end there is joy.

The story will fan out in retrospect and into the future from today, the first day of my life that I have been unemployed. I am here because I made the choice to be, although every choice has experience and reasons behind it. After a 24 year career working for the church, my next vocational pursuit will be outside the church. All previous changes have come because the church called me to a new role. This time around, I'll be looking for doors to open in strange and unknown places.

And I am ready.

Here I go.

You're invited to go with me as I write and sing and pray, and stretch into and embrace a new day.