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Walking Into The Year Ahead

1/6/2012

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My wife and I capped off a whirlwind holiday season with an all-expense paid trip back to New England courtesy of Heather’s sister-in-law, Kelly.  We spent two weeks around Christmas and New Year in picturesque, Loudon, NH.  The photo on left was taken by our daughter, Kaitlyn.  The trailhead is right across the street from my brother-in-law, Craig’s, house where we were staying.  One afternoon we bundled up and took a leisurely walk.  Naturally, the scenery was striking.  But even amidst the beauty I was aware of the fact that not knowing what was around the next corner irked me as much as it intrigued me.   Sure there was a bubbling brook to enjoy, but what if we ran into a bear that liked to drink from that brook?  More than once I thought about turning back and heading for the warmth of Craig’s woodstove and the familiar confines of my temporary home.  But then, the flip side of my fear – the mystery and wonder of what new beauty might lie ahead, kept wooing me on, and even more, was the knowledge that those I was walking with were pressing on.  One sojourner in particular was my 6-month-old nephew, Winston-McGregor.   I’m not sure what inspired me more, the confident pitter-patter of his little boot-clad feet rambling over the uncertain terrain, or the trust the child put in his father to keep him safe on the path he chose for him.   I think I want to take some of that experience with me as I walk into the year ahead.  Sure, I can’t see what lies ahead.  And sure, there may be bears out there.  But inevitably there is mystery and wonder and beauty to be had.  I want to trust that beauty and believe in those I walk through life with knowing that my heavenly Father walks with me.

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    Welcome to Daily Grinds
    I chose “Daily Grinds” for a name because everyone has them. For some they show up at the workplace, for others it is on the freeway, maybe at school. “The Grind” comes to us all at some point, and in some ways at every point in our lives. Of course, these grinds aren’t always bitter and burdensome. Sometimes the daily grinds are evidence of the most positive moments in our lives – the satisfaction of a difficult job well done, confidence hammered out on the anvil of much preparation. And sometimes, quite unexpectedly, "the grind" gifts us with moments of grace – some monumental like the birth of a child, others more mundane, like a great cup of coffee and some casual conversation with a good friend. In fact, I came across a website for a coffee company in New York called, The Daily Grind, that confirmed my inspiration.  Perhaps sifting through the “grounds” of my day-to-day will give you a glimpse into your own Daily Grind.

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    About Dom

    Just your average guy (ok - a little below average in the height department!) that is trying to make my way in this world.  I have been the pastor of SCN since 1998 and just celebrated 22 years of marriage to my wife, Heather, (obviously way above average in the wife department!) on September 2nd.  Aside from sardines and anchovies, there isn't much I don't enjoy in life.

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