By Way of Explanation

Blogs are best begun on a whim, and should never be taken too seriously. For two years now I've been blogging over at Mr. Standfast, and it has been a rewarding experience. But in the course of the last few days I have begun to see that it's defintely time for a change. It is a new season in my life, in so many ways, and so time also for a new blog.

Why do I call it Gratitude & Hoopla? Again, whim. But no, more than that. God is showering his gifts on me, you see; has done, will do, and for me the only sensible response is, well, gratitude. Gratitude and hoopla! This has been brought home to me again and again lately. Joy, whimsy, to walk abroad "in a shower of all my days" (that's Dylan Thomas), to start the journey celebrating, because you know that's how it ends. This morning I read Psalm 149: "Sing to the Lord a new song." And a new blog! So be it.

Yesterday I heard a preacher say, "The party's on!" Yes, that's about right. The party's on. I'm no cockeyed optimist when it comes to this life, this world, but, well, I know the hope (the celebration) to which I've been called. The end, the destination, is a party. The joy then will be complete. Perfect. Not marred by sin, tears, dissipation. So . . . I'm already excited. If it looks and sounds like pure foolishness to you, oh well. I'm just letting you know, this is what I'm about. this is where I'm at. This is why it's called "Gratitude & Hoopla."

The subhead for Mr. Standfast was from G. K. Chesterton: "Nothing taken for granted; everything received with gratitude; everything passed on with grace." It's still my guiding principle here. And BTW, I should just add, all this is entirely because of Jesus. Jesus, the beginning middle and end, the all in all, the first and last, the anchor of my hope, the author of my story, and the host of the party.