Back to blogging. I'm surprised that anyone reads this, but since some do - I'll carry on!

This week I have been turning over a thought in my mind, as I consider my own life, our church, and the lives of some who are dear to me:

Is it better for a life to be driven from behind by circumstance, or to be invited forward by vision?

When honest, my own life displays characteristics of both. I am a product of my past, as well as shaped by the future. Some whom I love seem entirely shaped by their circumstances and history, devoid of the call of the future. Especially the youthful, which amazes me. Until recently, the young were always the idealistic who drove change in society. Today's 20-somethings are so often devoid of hope, unable to define success for themselves, and driven by unspoken - perhaps unspeakable fears. As I approach 50, I am more and more pulled forward by God's vision for me, and for our church, and happy to shake off the shackles of the past, as much as God has loosed those old responsibilities.

Many leading Christian writers are talking about an 'ancient future' for the church. I like that. God is newing the old again, ever new. May you know the call of God on your sensibilities this week.