I heard God call me into ordained ministry on that trip - it led to a defining kind of movin’ right along, seminary, ordination, etc. Whenever each of us is given the opportunity or takes the opportunity to reflect and look back, it’s often at a turning point for us or our loved ones. This past February, I did some traveling and followed some spiritual practices as I looked to God for some answers. I knew that I would be retiring either at the end of December 2022 or at the end of June 2023.

Welcome to August, everyone! Are you going on any adventures this month? Maybe you’ll find your way across the waves to VBS where there will be splishing and splashing through the Bible with lots of wiggly children! Maybe you’ll be traveling in your mind with the help of travel shows or social media pages.

These beautiful images of gratitude … They are signs that we are in the present, in the moment, and remembering that God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - are with us in all the moments.

May God bless these summer weeks … May God bless the memories summer brings … May God bless our belonging … May God bless you this summer.

It is so much easier to see the possibilities when the sun is shining, and the promise of warmth is shining on the world. That is this morning. Flowers are blooming - leaves are beginning to create that green haze on the trees.

Remembering is important to us - and some are better at this than others. My husband remembers details of houses we’ve lived in, people’s names from 25 years ago that I don’t remember. I remember people and experiences that sometimes he doesn’t remember. Or, the great debate - we don’t remember them the same way. I’m sure no one can relate to that.

JRR Tolkien writes, “Not all who wander are lost.” You can find shirts with this quote wherever interesting t-shirts can be found. As you know, I have been traveling these last couple of weeks, and some of it looks like wandering. I’m very appreciative for Google Maps to keep me from being lost in my wandering. I am grateful for the time to be on my own pilgrimage of sorts.