An Introduction

Retiring from full-time employment has led me, as retirement does for many, to an identity crisis. Who am I without responsibilities? Do I matter anymore? I missed being “on the go”. I wondered if I’d find enough things with which to occupy my time and my mind. Most of all I missed the deep sense of community that comes with being Rector of a close-knit parish for over seventeen years.

Some seven months into this new phase of life I’m slowly finding my way. And the exciting thing is my way is leading me back to deep roots that had been buried by my over-busy workaday world.

For one thing, I’m reconnecting with the joy of writing I had as a child. While on Sabbatical nearly ten years ago, I started writing a sci-fi trilogy. I’ve typed reams of paper over the years and although I never got too far, the ideas and the message I have in mind have stayed with me.

I’ve spent considerable time over the past few months working on my opus with renewed vigor. With time on my hands, I’ve become part of a wonderful community of writers who meet daily via zoom to meditate and write. I’ve also taken a class on how to outline a novel, which has converted me from a dedicated “pantser” to finding satisfaction in organizing before I write. One of my hopes in writing this blog is to be able to share some of the process that I pray will lead to the realization of a life-long dream to be a published author.

I also, of course, remain a priest in the Episcopal Church. I am finding new energy in being mendicant for now, travelling through our Diocese doing Sunday supply. I feel blessed to be able to provide the Sacraments and preach wherever those things are needed.

About the time I quit my job as a magazine editor many years ago to go to Seminary, I was professed as a member of the Third Order, Society of St. Francis. I have been a Tertiary for nearly thirty years, impossible as that seems. I’ve long had an affinity for the “poor man from Assisi” and my Third Order brothers and sisters continue to be beacons of faith.

A rather unexpected delight is that I am delving much more deeply into Franciscan spirituality. God has placed this call before me and it feels like a breath of fresh air. I have always been a Franciscan and I it is a joyful blessing to rediscover that.

God has blessed me with so much. I have found myself part of new, unexpected communities. My days are filled, but not overly so, with things to do that give my life meaning and richness. I am learning the incredible value of slowing down, of emptying, of letting go.

I have purposely kept this blog and this website simple out of a desire to let it develop however God guides it. It will be a sacred journey for me and I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to come, too.