Running Thoughts

I left my phone at home this morning and went on a run.

I hadn't been awake for too long, so I had to work up to it.

I walked over to Edgerton Park, taking in the cheery neighborhood gardens with squirrels and birds going about their business--and landscapers putting in bright flowers.  Once inside the park, I found a shaded spot under two tall pine trees and stretched.

I exited the park and began running.

There is a small wooded area by the river that runs under East Rock.  My run took me there, and soon I entered the woods by dirt path and slowed down to a walk.  At the wooden bridge that spans the river, I sat down and did some stretches and sit-ups.

It's surprising how close to the city one can find refuge in nature.  There were storks upon storks--white birds with large wings and long legs.

Eventually I found my way home again, and came upon my neighbor moving in to the cottage next to the church.  Together, we carried a few boxes up, and then I was home.

My heart has been overwhelmingly burdened by the horrific atmosphere in our nation this week.  Orlando is just the part of the iceberg that happened to have exploded most recently.  As a whole, things underneath the surface are not much better.

I've thought about deactivating my Facebook for a while, but have decided that to do so would be a form of escape from the world.

What I have tried to do is to be less introspective, for now.

Instead, I seek to observe nature, to savor food, and to catch up on sleep and exercise.

I hung out with friends last night, and that was nice.  The US played Ecuador, and we watched the game at an Irish Pub.  All guys, housemates of my kind-eyed friend.  And me, the only person who still plays soccer.

I've been asking the Lord to give me a ministry to call my own someday.  Something that I can partner with Jesus to give my time and heart to while on earth.

I spoke with my former prayer pastor over the phone the other day, and that was encouraging.  She's an Asian woman in pastoral leadership, married to a younger man and the mother of 2 awesome kids.  She's a wonderful host, keeps a clean home, and loves hiking.  I've never identified more with any other pastor in my life.

There is something profound going on in the heavens.  Spiritual battles manifest themselves in earthly horrors, and Orlando is no exception.

Eschatologically, there may be a shift coming, and the Church needs to get on board with LGBTQI issues and become open and affirming.

Slavery and women's rights were battles of past centuries.  They still go on today, in parts of the world that I often forget about.

But sexuality is a storm that's been a long time coming, and I'm expectant for Jesus to show up in the midst of a messy topic that divides and wounds.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!