I know no other way to emerge from a two year slump of sorts other than to use the word 'sequel'
While I know when the uncreative time began---upon the publication of A Lost Shepherd--I am not sure the liberation from the desert has yet occurred.
At the very least I am attempting...
For years I wrote, mused, and sermonized on the happenings of the spiritual life. Praylium was a well received instrument, but it ran it's course.
For years I voiced opinions on the life not only of the our soul and its inherent blessing and grace, but also the pings of darkness and its constant battle upon humanity. Often times my thoughts would turn to current events, theological constructs, and ecclesiological challenges of the Roman Catholic Church--having the title 'ex-priest' not as an identifier but, sometimes as a 'sentence'--is a two edged sword.
I would like to think my picking up the pen or pecking at the keys once again is a sign that some fog may be lifting--God willing I hope. And, while I have a few unfinished works, there is the possibility that I will either close those notebooks forever or begin to revisit the pages--rather existential.
My reason for beginning is simple.
My son is readying to begin a pursuit of a dream.
And that means leaving home.
And that means my heart is full of just so much stuff.
For the past six months we have traversed the country--pursuing a plan, laying out possibilities and having his dream validated by those who at one time were young and very much on the same journey.
The time will come perhaps when I will share more of that dream....
Underneath all of this-- a current has been flowing.
My only son readies to leave for schooling.
My lovely wife takes on additional employment in order to continue to provide for him, for us, often times sacrificing sleep and well being.
And I spent nites looking for employment--having been dropped by the agency that employed me... an unemployed ex minister, ex religious education director, ex therapist, ex-funeral director, ex rector, ex priest--wow.
Unemployable, overeducated, experienced?
So I found some work...at a retail store in a mall.
Yep, making my minimum wage.
I have a new found respect for retail workers (most of them).
Any and all spiritual insights or great ideas I have? At the moment, they don't matter. I need to hit the right keys on the cash register and listen to someone who is upset because their coupon doesn't work for that particle item.
Something, somewhere...somehow....
So, why not just write about all of this?
Sequel.
to be continued....
