Dear Any Faithful Readers Still Out There:

Some of you have wondered if I fell into oblivion, given no posts for such a long time. Far from it. I’m deeply touched when asked if I’ll return to sharing some thoughts. This thing sort of came together quickly and became a rhythm of daily life. Basically up until I received word of the (miraculous) healing in late April. Since then, it seems like life has been a blur until this past week when my thought was, “I need to retire again.”

In no particular order, let me share this.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that from time to time I feel “called” to something. Regular readers will know where I stand on that. These calls sometimes arrive unbidden. At other times, the call arrives after a period of prayer and reflection. In this latter sense, the timeframe may be rather large. In my experience over the last ten or eleven years, I can receive the call as the most natural of things where the response seems almost effortless. On the other hand, I can receive the call as more of a trial, when surrendering requires risk and stepping out in faith.

This journey of sharing thoughts publicly certainly arrived unbidden and became a thing that did not prove burdensome, despite the amount of time I devoted to it. As I’ve related before, the topics sort of invaded my consciousness and, often, the first paragraphs formed in my mind so quickly during a moment of early morning contemplation that I had to rush to my laptop to make sure they found their way onto a page before disappearing. Themes and thoughts just cascaded and at times I felt more the role of an observer. We all have gifts. My ability to type quickly as sentences form is, apparently, one of them. Just don’t ask me to change the oil in my own car.

Well, the call to write just sort of vanished, despite my thinking that it shouldn’t. This could mean a number of things, including that I’d reached my depth. Or, it could mean that my priorities shifted somewhat.

I was asked by friends both yesterday and this morning, if I intended to continue. One of them said I at least needed the last post to be titled “Epilogue” instead of “Camping Ho!” Having said that, I’m not prepared to have an epilogue. In fact, I hope to start writing again when we return from Europe in mid July.

Did I say, “return from Europe?” 🙂  As many of you know, Diane and I leave early tomorrow morning on our long-planned and much-anticipated 21 day trip to the Mediterranean. In some form or another, this has been on the radar for at least three or four years, with commitment a full year ago. Can’t believe it’s finally here! Many of you seasoned travelers have been abroad numerous times. We’re comparative novices and so much of this is brand new. Packing strategies alone have probably taken close to the same attention Eisenhower gave in preparing for the Normandy landings. Our genius/angel travel agent, Bitsy, miraculously got us first class/business class roundtrip for the same price as a small economy upgrade of a few extra inches. Of course, I believe God is gracing us with consideration for my claustrophobia and in the celebration of 30 years of marriage! We have the pleasure of being accompanied by two other couples and dear friends and the six of us are like schoolchildren anticipating Disneyland. Those of you inclined to pray, please ask for safety, good health, smooth transfers and days punctuated by joy.

Oh, and I’m officially retired for the second time. My gig at the church has come to an end. What began as a three month experiment turned into a commitment of two full years, with a whole lot of life thrown in. Many wonderful things occurred in that time as the church is going through a transformational period. Of the many positives, clearly one stands out for me, personally. I am so blessed to have grown into deep relationship with some of the most wonderful and gifted people, a number of whom have become dear, dear friends. It’s because of this connection that I suspect I’ll stay involved in some capacity after my return, but on a less formal and regular basis.

Speaking of dear, dear friends. Our friend, Sharon Daoust (my former assistant principal) and her three daughters are like family. Sharon will kill me for saying this but she needs to go to the head of the line for sainthood. What a beautiful woman, through and through. Life hasn’t always been easy but find me someone who cares more for helping young people. Just sayin’. Anyway, her lovely daughter, Stephanie, shocked me speechless recently with the invitation to preside over her wedding in October. Oh my! You won’t be surprised to hear that I teared up before humbly accepting. This will go to the top of my priority list later this summer.

I’ve probably bored you senseless by now, so will stop with the newsy catch up.

Six months ago, I was hiking in the mountains around Idyllwild, in the best shape of my life. Healthy and vibrant, actively involved in all sorts of things, among them a plan to climb a very tall mountain in Colorado in August. That changed quickly on January 2 as life tends to do. You know most of the rest.

Everything changed but nothing changed. While I consistently fall short in practice, I honestly believe each day is a gift and that I’m living on borrowed time. I live with feet in two worlds, making for a fascinating journey. I strive to live up to my prayer: “Lord, today, let me see others as you do, let my heart reflect your heart and let my hands do your work.” A tall and unattainable order but a magnet, nonetheless, calling from true north. Forgive me, friends and family when I fall so far short, which is way too often. Thank you for standing by me and loving me, despite my many failings. What a life this is!

Stay Tuned. 🙂

Lord, thank you for the gift of this day, a day unlike any other. Thank you for the treasures that show up with such regularity. I know I’m supposed to thank you for the thorns because they help me grow and to do a better job of surrendering to you and blessing others. But, I need your help constantly, which I think is part of the whole point. Thank you for the patience, dedication, and love of all those who have taken the time to read these reflections … I’m truly humbled. Please help all of us to know you more fully. Amen.