Remembering Summertime 2021….
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
Two months ago, I told you I was taking a break from writing during July and August. I felt the need to focus on personal soul care, accomplish some organizational projects, and take a summertime adventure to New York City and Washington, D.C. with our 10-year-old granddaughter.
I also committed to pray for Listening on the Journey… readers. Each Monday and Thursday at 6:00 a.m., the alarm on my phone reminded me to do just that. As I prayed, I felt a special connection to each person who has in the past or will in the future read one of my twice-weekly posts. I believe God knows the name of each reader.
Welcome back! I am so happy to re-connect. For you who’ve read this blog, you know my husband Ron’s photos are a big part of each post. Today, I’d like to share highlights of this summer with Ron’s pictures and my brief comments.
InterVarsity offered a digital pilgrimage, Via Divina (Latin for Divine way to Wander) – The Celtic Way, in which both Ron and I participated. The virtual experience included eight one-hour walks followed by discussion and a weekly group debriefing. It was special having Ron walk, listen, and discuss with me. Most of our ‘wandering’ was along the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, which we love so much.
I was a little skeptical about a digital soul care experience, but it was very well produced and meaningful for both of us. Early Celtic Saints introduced: Patrick, Brendan, Brigit, Kevin, and Columba, along with extensive passages of Scripture and personal reflections, challenged our faith journey
With heavy hearts, we said earthly good-byes to our son-in-law’s father and our dear friend, Dennis Olson. Dennis was an outstanding husband, dad, grandpa, educator, patriot, community leader, friend, and dedicated Christ-follower. He will be missed much by many!
I’m hooked after my first experience listening to an audible book! Eugene Peterson’s contemporary language Bible translation, The Message, often speaks deeply to my soul. During the long flight to New York City and back home from Washington, D. C., I listened to A Burning in My Bones, the authorized biography of Peterson. Montana born and raised as was I, Peterson described his first time in New York City as being filled with energy and bedlam. This was my first visit to The Big Apple, and I found those two descriptors appropriate.
Our hotel was a couple blocks from Times Square, seen in today’s post’s photos.
For those who’ve never been to NYC, here’s a little context: Idaho, my home state, is 83,570 square miles, with a population of 1,860,123.[i] New York City, comprised of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island has a population of 8,804,190 distributed over only 302.6 square miles.[ii]
(Note: When I mentioned reading the Peterson biography to a young friend, she recommended I watch a YouTube interview with Bono, lead singer in the rock band u2, and Eugene Peterson concerning the Psalms. If you’re curious, I suggest enthusiastically you watch it.)
I’ll share more photos and insights from my summertime sabbatical in future posts. I hope you’ll enjoy.
Blessings on your Divine Wandering, wherever and with whomever that may be…
Blessings of your journey…
[i] https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/idaho-population