A couple of days ago, I read something that made me laugh, in a laugh / cry kind of way. It said that this year was like seeing one of those adorable roadside “free lending libraries” that people sometimes create to share books. They are always so full of hope and promise and possibility. 2021 is like opening one and finding out that it is full of bees. Or, more appropriately, hornets.

It’s only been 11 days. It already feels like 11 months.

I took a few days to think about what we have seen and think about both what I was seeing, and what felt right for the future. For us collectively, and for me personally. I toyed with the idea of changing this newsletter, or the way I shared it. I even thought about ditching it completely.

In the end, I feel like it is important to continue to think about things, and to do so together. I am not going anywhere. Or changing anything really.

What I will do is commit to the foundational principles of this newsletter - and for me as an individual. Among these are a dedication to telling the truth, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable. Even if it means fundamentally challenging basic assumptions and asking if they are valid or useful. I will continue to talk about COMBAT - the things that challenge me and anger me and frustrate me. And I will do that every day.

I also commit to understanding that doom and danger is not all there is, even when it feels like it. I will share SNUGGLES - the joys and laughs and moments of awe that are often buried under the weight we carry. They are still all around us. And I will do my best to remind myself of that.

I will also be sharing the things that happen in my life, and my attempts to understand what they mean. And there will be cute pictures of Justin.

This newsletter will continue to be what it is. Even when the world is as it is. This is my commitment to you. And to myself.

I appreciate your continued support. For all of you who have subscribed, I can not than you nearly enough. Your support (financial and emotional) is what makes all this possible.

The last few days have been challenging for all of us. The days ahead will be just as challenging, if not more. And we will navigate all of it together.

Here are some programming notes for this week:

For subscribers, Tuesday and Thursday will be our regular daily updates, and we will be finishing the 5 Things that we started last week. On Wednesday I will be sharing my thoughts on the attack on the Capitol on January 6, and where things go from here.

On Friday, we will have a special edition of Friday Positivity. It will be sent to everyone on the email list, and I hope that EVERYONE who reads will comment with something good that has happened for them this week. I think we could ALL use some good news, and I encourage you all to think about good things as you move through your week.

On Saturday, the list of 5 Things will go out to everyone. And on Sunday, subscribers will get the newest Undelivered Sermon.

Next week, we should be back to our regular schedule.

As always, thanks for reading. If you don’t currently subscribe, please consider supporting the newsletter by becoming a subscriber. The support makes it possible.

I look forward to talking to you all this coming week.

Be well, y’all. And keep pounding the rock.

Combat Snuggles

Moving Forward