Musings on W. Mitten

So, over the past few weeks, we have moved from Denver to Holland/Zeeland, Michigan. We really love being here, but it is definitely an adjustment.

First of all... clouds. I have rarely seen a cloud for the past 2 years, and if I did, it was whispy and white and quite high up in the sky. The other day I awoke and figured it must have been early dawn, 5am or something... nope.... it was 9:30am and there were clouds!

Secondly, people here drive wwwwaaaaayyyyyyy too fast!! I have had more cars (especially Grand Cherokees for some reason (usually piloted by 17yr. old blonde girls from Zeeland or Hudsonville, on a cell phone)) riding my bumper than ever before. Granted, I am not the most aggressive accelerator in the world, but I get up to speed and enjoy cruising about 4mph over the posted limit. But, noooo... that is not going to cut it around here - people are in a big ol' hurry to get all over W. Michigan these days.

Lay-off buddy!!

Thirdly... "fancy-ness"
Maybe it was because I felt right at home in the rather casual dress culture of Denver, or maybe I don't see a huge difference in what clothes can do for a person(Ugly is still ugly and good look-ers, usually look good). I am all for dressing for the occasion, but I had no idea that Panera, JP's coffee, modern churches and the grocery store were "occasions." These ladies are poofing, teasing, and bumpin' thier blonde up to go work out!
I miss the land of baseball caps, Patagonia pull-overs and pony-tails.
:(

Beer prices!
Not sure why, maybe it is the relative lack of craft/micro brew options that make even the most mundane of bottled barley juice so pricey, but lets be serious, anything with the word "bud" in the name (wheat, lime or otherwise) should not go for over a buck-a-bottle... ever!

But, New Holland, Bells and the Old Hat brews are quite local and amazing good. So I can't complain too loudly.

And speaking of complaining, this entry is not a complaint at all - I love living here and would do it again in a heart-beat. W. Michigan, with all it's idiosyncrasies and leadfooters, is amazing.

I call it home...

vacation-

So, for the past two weeks Allie and I have been on "vacation" in Michigan. We spent some time visiting my parents and brother Andrew in Saline/Manchester/Ann Arbor area. We had a great time relaxing and catching up on family details and our deep conversations. From there we trekked West for the nuptials of our great friends Seth and Molly Weener! It was a great time seeing friends and celebrating with an awesome couple.

We got a chance to have a Farewell to Mark's Thyroid party - speaking of that... He recently began recovering from kicking cancer's a$$ yesterday in the hospital. (well done buddy).

Now, we reside outside the peaceful hamlet of Lawton, MI with Allie's great parents.

I have had a lot of time to think lately of what a "vacation" is meant to be. Webster designates it as " respite or a time of respite from something" and/or ": a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation."

So, I ask myself, "am I really on vacation?"

Respite is good. I have been getting more sleep and doing more sitting around than usual. But, my spirit does not feel at rest. We are spending time away from out home in Denver, but it is also at "home;" in the places where we grew up and with good, longtime friends. So, that definition may not apply to us.

Let's look at "a period spend away from business." Well, I have been away from 'business' since July 1, when I finished at Hope Church. I must say that dealing with being unemployed (by choice) is more difficult than I had anticipated. I truly sympathize with anyone who has found themselves in this place with no secure end in sight. Sometimes I sing a song in the shower for some encouragement: (just hear the music, think old Bud Light jingle)

Real jobless heroes-
Here's to you - O' 13% of Americans!
To you who find yourself with little to do...
and dwindling reserves of motivation...
I salute you - real jobless heroes!

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. But, I think that I believed that having a short respite from employment would give me pause to think, reflect, and check a few things off long-ignored 'to-do' lists. Eh' maybe I'll get to that point but, I feel that might be a long time coming. Or, might have to happen once we get settled into a new rhythm that includes a job for this cat.

I am realizing that life is often best lived in the midst of... well... life.

Just a few thoughts on a stormy afternoon in W. Michigan.

on transition...

So, a week from today marks my final Sunday on staff at Hope Community Church.
Many people have asked how I am feeling about it all, to them I usually give a variety of answers. I don't want to seem ambiguous about my emotions, but in all honesty, my emotions seem to be changing with every passing hour at times. There are a ton of folks who I will miss dearly from Hope. I would like to think that "of course, I'll see them again," but the truth is, it might be very difficult to do so. I have a mixture of excitement and sadness. Part of me is a little anxious to be stepping out of a secure job and constant paycheck and into something relatively unknown (especially long-term). But, I do believe that God will provide and truly does have bigger plans for my life than I can imagine. This is sometimes hard to see, let alone feel, but that adds to the excitement of it all. All in all, I could not be more thankful for Hope and the way I have been able to serve, grow and learn while being there.