Terabithia

A few years ago someone said something to me about trying to get to Terabithia, and me, not wanting to appear to be completely out of the loop didn't mention that I had no idea what they were talking about. It was one of those moments where you just kind of nod and say something like "Yeah, I know just what you mean" and then move on hoping they don't expect you to elaborate.

Of course, as soon as I got home I hopped on the Internet and found there was a children's book titled "The Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Patterson. Not familiar with it I asked my daughter - who at that point in her life was probably consuming two or three books a day - if she was familiar with it. "Oh, yeah, I read that years ago - it was pretty good" she said. "Do you have a copy?" "No." So, I sort of shoved it into the back of the drawer of my mind for the time being.

Not long after I was working with a church that was reorganizing their library and was packing up a number of books to give away to make room for new materials. As I was packing, my hands came across a copy of "The Bridge to Terabithia." I expressed that I had been wanting to read it and was told to please feel free to take it home.

Suffice to say I went home, started the book and could not put it down. It touched me in a really profound way. And through the book, I came to think of "Terabithia" as a place we can retreat to, a place where we can get away from the world, and where we can feel safe.

This community is my own little Terabithia on the Internet. I plan on visiting here often, and hope others do, too. And if you have a book that's touched you in such a way, please let me know.

Peace...

Welcome...

Welcome to my little blog on the Internet - a place to come apart, rest awhile (Mark 6:31) and enjoy conversation, sharing, spirituality and more. This is the new location of a blog I had previously published at LiveJournal. Many of the posts are reflections I have given at communion services at St. William of York Church, the parish where I work.

I want this to be a place that is non-confrontational, a place where people can share what's in their hearts, look for help, and feel safe. I love exploring the things that touch us spiritually. Not just scripture, and liturgy, which are wonderful. But also books and movies and television and music and the Internet and all the things we encounter every day.

I am a youth minister by vocation, but spent nearly 25 years working in the film and television industry. I am a convert to Catholicism, grew up in a home that promoted Protestant fundamentalist values (not necessarily a bad thing) and currently work very closely with pastoral leaders of many faith practices through an ecumenical clergy collegium. My brother is a Baptist minister, and my father often preaches and helps lead services in the Methodist church I grew up in. I have a rich faith tradition in my life and many experiences across the board in areas of spirituality, conflict resolution, ecumenism, social justice, and crisis intervention (among others). I am always willing to share, and always feel I have much to learn from others.

So again, welcome. Put up your feet, relax, and I hope you find something here that speaks to you...