Reboot

It's been awhile.

Writing has been difficult for the last few years. Life can have a way of continual growth, even particularly through suffering and loss. Much in the way of the loss was really simply a stripping away of expectations, both those I held (consciously & subconsciously) as well as those created by society. Losing expectations has been freeing, but it also has had its fair share of pain, anxiety, and loneliness.

Through it all, I can say that is not about strength and enduring hardship. It also is most definitely not about trying to absolve myself of responsibility and developing a victim mentality. There has been something deeper, something moving me ever closer to ultimate reality. Losing the myths that society places on us, of winners and losers, of those who work hard for what they have and those who are slackers or dredges on society, and of any type of merit-based belonging is incredibly wholesome. 

Everyone belongs. 

Everyone includes me. Even when I feel alone and isolated, there is still belonging. 

Beloved-ness.

Unconditional belonging simply because I am. You are. We are.

Which is why at this point I know I need to begin to write again. There are so many of us who have been conditioned by society and the systems of the world to where we do not feel we can be vulnerable and real. We have to remain on guard, and all our relationships become transactional. Everything is about what we do or do not get out of it, and we see people clamoring for claiming their own space in the midst of this grand amalgamation called life.

I desire to step outside of transactions, outside of earning worth, outside of using people and being used for agendas.

I desire to step into a space which recognizes each and every day the worth of each of us, and a mutuality that transcends taking and earning. 

I resolve to help create pockets of grace, which allow us to be known and loved for who we are, because each of us has that intrinsic worth regardless of action.

Life is a journey, and we're all on the road.

Sometimes we're exhausted and need to rest.

Other times we're lost or don't know which direction to head.

Or we're really enjoying where we are and trying to enjoy the moment and place we're at, and share that joy with others.

We might be there for awhile or for but a moment, but we all have stories to share. We all need encouragement, bearing with each other through the triumphs and tragedies of life. No agendas, no scripted answers, and definitely no programs. Life is deeper than a 3 step model to make our lives better.

The image of such places which I have is a wayside. 

A place along a road where people stop to relax, resupply, learn about the area where they are, and connect with fellow travelers on their journeys. All are welcome. All belong.

Will you join me in falling by the wayside?

I'm looking for fellow sojourners and pilgrims, wanderers and adventurers, seekers and mourners, to journey alongside.