On a favorite blog of mine, Internetmonk, there was a list of characteristics which marked popular articles during 2014. My favorite one was, “4. Bible subjects such as the beginning of the world and the end of the world, of which no one has any personal knowledge, are topics people love to talk about.”
Reflecting on that phrase, I realize that it is good advice for me. I have been writing this blog for about 7 years. I started it shortly after I was ordained as an Orthodox priest and have continued it ever since. It began not as a blog for an audience, but as a type of personal journal. I have striven to continue some of that approach, as this blog has never been defined by a particular subject. Rather, I write about what interests me. Hopefully, it has interested some of you.
This has been my most difficult year for writing. I have hit writer’s block in a major way, and my “production” has decreased from a near daily writing of blogs to sometimes going a week between entries. This does not satisfy me, not because I feel the need to produce but because it shows me that I am not spending enough time reflecting on my life experiences. The whole purpose of the blog was to allow me to reflect “out loud” and to force me to think in a logical understandable manner. But, somehow, this year reflection has been in short supply. My “production levels” make me realize that I need to return more to the practice of self-reflection.
But, it was that fourth line on Internetmonk that made me laugh. I found myself wondering how often in the last 7 years I have pontificated on subjects about which I have no personal knowledge. I laughed about it and thought about the dangers of self-important pontificating. I have made the New Year’s resolution to try to avoid self-important pontification this coming year. But, I have also realized that this blog works best for me when it is simply a written reflection of topics which are currently engaging my imagination.
And, yes, as the poster above says, there really are times in my blog when I do need to “play a Cleric.” There will be times when I feel the need to write as a priest of the Church. In those cases, I trust that God will give me the humility to say what is correct in the correct way.
But, otherwise, I trust that this blog in 2015 will simply reflect my current interests and will continue to be what I originally intended it to be, a blog about what interests me. So, the ride may take us from cosplay to politics to fantasy & science fiction to spiritual subject to pro-life musings to who-knows-what.
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p align=”justify”>I look forward to having you along.
Perhpas your blog might be considered a place before the nations, and so you are being hindered from speaking your mind to be awaiting the words of the Holy Ghost? See Mark 13:9-13
Fr E, I check in almost every day and look forward to your musings.
Also, allow me now to thank you for your military service and your work with veterans. I know you get paid for it, and I also believe you probably go beyond the job description to get the best help you can for them. I also thank your daughter. My older daughter is in the Army and is married to a Marine; my dad served in the Marines in WW II. I’m not cut out for the military myself, but do very much appreciate all who have served honorably.
Dana