From Jackson to Wilson

It's time to move again.  Fortunately, the packing is going really well and Ben and I are right on target for exiting today by 5. Our long-term renters are coming between 6 and 7.  This will work just fine.  Just like the packing time out of NYC 16 months ago, it took three days to do it all, although I think we'll take about six days to get settled in.  Ben's mom is 85 and it is obvious to us that she wants us in her home, on the first floor (which Ben has created an amazing space with milk paints, stained wooden floors and a keen eye for making an extraordinary living space).  We will be there for about 125 days before returning to our townhouse seven miles away - unless our lives take yet another interesting turn!

What amazes me the most is that it may be coming time to really settle.  I mean, I still like to travel as much as possible, especially if I get to learn something new like geography, language, culture or just getting myself out of any possible comfort zone - there's simply too much growth to pass on.  Jackson/Wilson, Wyoming may be the best combination in which to live that I could possibly hope for at this stage of my mortal run.

Speaking of mortal runs, I am starting to realize that ALL of us have only so much time on the big stage called life.  What takes place in the time we have is simply that - time that seems to accelerate the older I get.  Perhaps it is that 1 year for a 10 year old is 10% of his life, while for me it is less than 2% now.  But I'm not quite sure why the effect is feeling that time is "flying" by.  All I know is that I am a VERY lucky man, with all the fantastic experiences that I have found.  Professionally to be sure. Personally without a doubt. And now, rather than a crisis of faith, I simply turn to the certain belief that "man is that he might have joy". Not happiness. Not contentment. Not even happiness.  No, it says it really clearly - that I might have joy. And what I have found is that it behooves me to find a faith community that allows me to be who I am. No more fitting into a mold. No more having to try so damn hard.

So, after a beautiful 24 year monogamous commitment to the LDS church, I have returned to my Christian roots - as a Protestant, and as a Presbyterian.  I have decided to take this on for 9 months - kind of like going full-term with this "baby".  Then, I will see where I am.  Because, frankly, I've had enough of waiting for uptight, heterosexual, clueless, capitalist men to figure me out.  And I guess, I've come to the conclusion that when they do figure things out, that they call me. And then, we'll talk.  But, it has become incredibly clear that without formal training, without even an awareness that Truth is SO much bigger than obeying fallible men and their policies, even their beliefs - that I simply have started writing my own script.  And not accept anyone else's.

And so, here I am at the end of 2012, in Wyoming, teaching on-line but with hopes that I am going to land something very interesting in 2013 that will change my life in a substantial way. Lots of irons in the fire now, and I'll most definitely know by Springtime - higher ed, secondary ed, communications media.  Any of these will be just fine!  And yes, living in zero degree weather is really quite invigorating!  And loving snowpack that is simply impressive is really quite theraputic - I highly recommend it!  And I'll get back to my blog when I'm on the other side - of the Snake River!

It is a privilege to live - every single day, we should count our blessings, that Heavenly Father and Mother (Abba and Ema) have chosen to give us another one.  And then, another one.  And that I have been given the greatest children that I could have imagined.  Thanks to their mother for raising them on a daily basis these last 8 years.  As the oldest prepares for an LDS mission; as the middle aspires to attend a great college back east; and as the youngest continues her winning ways as a scholar and an athlete.  I stand all amazed. . .