Uphill idealist

There are words, probably as old as time that meander around the human mind. Wondering of meanings big and small that are scrawled on parchment papers, caves and cathedral walls. What is the purpose of this and that - and why does my heart go rat, ta, tat; when joy comes near and calls my name; these things of wonder are never the same. The call to other and unknown lands is eased when hope takes me by the hand. The answer of all, I cannot say - except that there always is a way. A way of wandering, that may be, but the way of adventure - is yet to be seen. "You don't know if you don't go", has echoed in my mind - making changes to my meter and my time. Going to the new does not excuse the known;  but confirms the real, the dear -  and who really is my home. The words as old as time still pace, dancing a tango that seems out of place. My wandering and wondering big and small has an answer, after all. No matter the journey, no matter the fall; my call

The prayerful phrase, “Always We Begin Again” , is one that has followed me in various forms and for many years. In scripture, this phrase can be paired or compared with the text from Lamentations 3:22-23. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” This “Always” prayer mantra was shared with me by a spiritual director at the Mount in Erie, PA… as a kind and wise nun spoke these words to my restless and worried state; “Always we begin again.” In times of new beginnings: I think of New Year’s Day, first days of school, and in our case together; the beginning of our call together as pastor and congregation of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, NY. We are at a new beginning – together with God holding and forging our “we-ness” in new and exciting ways. While we are in-the-midst of Lent, a time of reflection and prayer, here we have this beginning, this seed of a new life – we – together. The Spirit of God has