Time Four a Change: The Restless Hearts

I started this blog just over seven years ago. I wasn't sure where it would take me or how it would unfold. I just knew that because of who I am, because of my insistence on seeing ideas through to their actualization and completion (or at least perpetuation), that if I was going to try it that it would be an ongoing and long-lasting effort.

Going back to read my first post, it's clear that I've changed, grown, evolved, etc. over several years, starting as more of a curious, contemplative, seeker of a college theology student and traveling down a twisting path to become more thoroughly and actively the pastoral, catechetical minister I felt and feel called to be.

The original impetus to write came from the faith-sharing small-group to which I belonged in college. As we listened to the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday and discussed what the readings meant to us, we would take some deep dives. We'd delve into the dynamic theology of the Scriptures, into the existential questions that spiritual investigation conjured, and even into the sillier and lighter things in life - our profound laughter at Maxwell from the Geico commercial led us to normalize the process of relishing tangents but then successfully bringing ourselves back to relevant discussion, which we dubbed "going to the pig and back." As we each had our moments of clarity and found the words to describe the big things that crossed our minds and hearts, my friends encouraged me to start writing down some of the stuff I was saying in our group. I took the plunge that fall, and seven years later, I'm still going.

There have been some mild stops and starts, but I've always come back to the blog and kept things going. There certainly is ego at play, especially since I'm writing about what I feel most passionate about and what I spent so much time and energy studying, practicing, and praying over; my most vain self relishes the pageviews, clicks, and traffic. However, what keeps me coming back aren't those numbers; it's the feedback I get.

I set out to blog as a way to externalize what I was thinking and see if it would resonate with others. Beyond clicks, I was hoping for reactions and dialogue. In dribs and drabs, I would get these wonderful pick-me-ups - a random text of affirmation, a thoughtful comment to a Facebook link post, an "oh by the way" sort of thank you at the end of a conversation, and even an unexpected reminder that people I haven't seen often or in a long time are still keeping up with me by checking in here. It's the wide and varied web of engagement with others that really fuels me to keep coming back to this platform to write.

As I've sought ways to be widely and excellently engaging, I've tried to be creative. I enjoyed curating "the72" series, in which I invited friends to share the ways in which they've lived out their ministry in their varied careers and jobs. Recruiting people, encouraging and affirming them to take a shot at it, and then working with their ideas and drafts to help them express their varied ministries - it was all such a treat. It showed the diverse ways that vocation manifests itself to people who are faithful and diligent in putting their gifts to action in our world. I'm especially grateful to Nick, Dave, and Sarah for batting lead off in that endeavor. All in all, 21 authors shared themselves in beautiful posts, and I love the tapestry of ministry they painted.

Most recently, I stepped out on to the speaking stage. As I moved through my Masters studies, I decided I wanted to be more proactive about finding additional avenues to practice and share my theology and ministry. After graduating in May, I lined up a few gigs this summer as a Theology on Tap speaker and started a series called #MoreThanRedAndBlue. My goal was to take an approach to the campaign and to election and voting discernment that was centrally focused on Catholic Social Teaching and share it consistently. It was obviously a difficult election year for everyone, but I hope some of what I shared in my talks, tweets, and posts was able to lend a helping hand to discerning voters.

Now, following the election, I am looking to a new way to extend the conversation. I want to continue widening and deepening the engagement that this blog is facilitating.

After a lot of discernment, I decided to expand this blog to include new permanent writers. I've been in conversations for the past few weeks with a few people, and on Monday, I will introduce you three new voices who will join me as Restless Hearts. They will also help administer the Facebook Page and share our work with all of you through their commentary and social media presence. My posts will now go up each Thursday, and our new writers will take turns publishing new work each Monday. There will be some minor changes to some of the titling, links, and banners, but I'll make sure you can still find your way here with ease.

I'm deeply grateful for their willingness to take this plunge, and I pray that you will all show them the same warm embrace and faithful engagement that you've blessed me with so far. Thank you all for sticking with me so diligently, and I am excited to give a regular platform to these three wonderful people.