.: same old stories :.

Nothing more frustrating than to hear a repeat telling of one of the classic stories of a person you know. What about that experience leaves me feeling like I am witnessing the edges of that person's entire history? I feel like these are the only things that they have to offer... and if I have heard it more than twice, I feel a pull towards someone new. Is it because of age? Is it the curse of a short-term memory? I guess I just feel frustrated with hearing a tale that I have heard time and again being rehashed as if it is something fresh. And... I feel frustrated with my frustration! Once again, I move that I consider it and other occasions like it moments for silent grace. A chance to release someone from my own gripping attitude and subtle judgments. I should count myself lucky to be surrounded with so many people, ones that seem so quick to offer me a story by which to settle, or even prompt, my own heart and soul. And sure, there are stories of my own moving and being that I continue to hold onto, ones that are littered throughout my own sermons, lessons, and discussions over coffee. Hopefully, there are people doing the same sort of releasing of me that I know I ought to practice in my own life. Rather than saying that we have indeed heard that one before, we nod and welcome the telling of that person's encounter or happening. And by that act, we continue to be those who receive others in by receiving their extended wisdom via narrative. No scowl. No rolling of my eyes. Just silence... and a smile. The frustration will continue to rise up within me. But I must remember, there are those who are longing to have others bear witness to their own story before they pass on into eternity. And I can count myself blessed by being one of those many trusted witnesses.

.: living into the words :.

I wake to find myself in a new year... with a somewhat different life. This past December 30th, I had the honor of marrying my best friend. Before I knew it, we were being whisked away to Seattle, then Leavenworth, then back to Mount Vernon to begin forming our new home together. We are both still catching ourselves in moments of reflecting upon what a beautiful ceremony and reception it was. I must admit, it was hard leaving that lodge when we were surrounded by such love and encouragement. We continue to be blessed by everyone around us. The thought keeps wandering through my mind that this is what the view is like from the other side, though a side no better than where we have just come from. Just different! Well, the time has come to jump in both feet and begin this new life that 2007 beholds. A new year means whole new opportunities, as well as chances to redo those that went down in flames. A new year holds new memories to be discovered in the midst of living fuller lives. A new year creates a sense that the slate has been wiped clean, though we are still the creatures in progress, moving towards what we have only seen glimpses of. But this new year for me means learning anew what it means to share my heart, mind, and life with another individual. The love of my life moves in closer than ever before, as do I to her. We share this new life... and the possibilities are limitless. Adventures happen upon us. Risks await us in any given moment. Life takes a turn that we were deeply hoping for. And now we live with the hope and prayer of living into the realities that we proclaimed to one another a little over a week ago. May the Father guide us in and through it, surrounding us with the voices that will prompt us towards greater faith. That begins by relentlessly choosing to abandon the offers of safety that many in our position hold so tightly to!