The Future of “In the Meantime”
Okay, so the title of this post is a little more dramatic than I’d intended. When it comes to making predictions, I’m with Yogi Berra, who once said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” 🙂
With that caveat in mind, I’d still like to offer two brief thoughts about the future of this blog.
1) I hope to continue posting here, even as I transition to a new call as president of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. I’ve been away from writing here for about a month, largely because of the need to give time to my interviews and conversations with folks at Philly; speaking at several Synod Assemblies, Luther Seminary’s graduation, and the Festival of Homiletics; and teaching two intensive courses – my last! – at Luther (and then packing up my books and driving them back to PA). Whew. It’s been a crazy month or so and it was nice not to have the additional responsibility of trying to get two blog posts out each day. That said, I’ve missed the time in devotions and time thinking about our life of faith in the Church and world and so I hope to get back at it.
2) I may not be able to post every day. I get ridiculously goal oriented and so when I started writing and posting every day it became like this crazy commitment that I just couldn’t stand to break and when I did I felt just plain bad (though I usually got over it quickly enough!). But, when you think about it, that’s a little silly. I mean, better to write regularly, even occasionally, then to stop writing because I can’t write every day. So I’m going to practice chilling out on being so obsessive with goals and write when I can and not feel bad when I can’t. (If I plan a long break, I’ll try to let everyone know ahead of time.)
So, there it is – a prediction of sorts about not the distant but at least proximate future of this blog. Thanks, as always, for reading. And if you have thoughts you’d like to share, it’s so much easier for me to receive them in the comments than by email (where I also get obsessive about answering them and feel bad when I don’t – thanks for understanding and accepting my foibles!).
Blessings,
David
PS: With the help of a good friend – and his friend! – I think I’ve figured out the Feedburner issue and hopefully these posts will go out in email form. Not surprisingly, the issue was user error!
Hi David. Thanks for the update and please, please keep on posting even if it’s not so often. I find your writing informative and thought provoking. Thank you for all you do and every blessing in your new challenge.
David,
Please continue to write when you can and as often as you can.. I enjoy your thoughts and I have missed reading them. It will be more fun for you if you let go of the pressure to write and do so out of your desire to share your thoughts about God and faith in the church. Best wishes..
As an alum of LTSP (’78) I am delighted that you will be leading the seminary; and even more selfishly, that you will continue to post “In the Meantime”… Blessings on your new call.
David, I appreciate your angst at your present inability to blog daily. I preached yesterday about the goodness of creation — we are all created good, even when we behave imperfectly, especially according to our own standards. I know you know that, but sometimes we all need a reminder. Blessings as you enter the future with courage and faith.
Glad to see you back online; your readers missed you. Please consider reducing the production pressure but staying regular by writing on odd-numbered days.
What a joy to find “In The Meantime” in my inbox. We will appreciate your blogs when ever we can get them. No pressure. You have a lot on your plate. Blessing to you.
Thank you David for all that you are doing to encourage the Body of Christ in multiple ways. Less than daily blog postings will give us a chance to better ponder all that they contain. And I love the links to salient TED talks!
I second your comment on the TED Talks.
Thank you for continuing: I so appreciate the blog. Less often is perhaps also good. ..I was as obsessive about reading each day plus watching all the Ted talks and going to all the links as you were with writing. Now we’re both a little off the hook:) Congratulations on your new position but miss you on “Brainwave”.
I am completely overjoyed to see your post today. You have been missed!! So glad you realize your limits and I pray for you not to obsess but just enjoy the writing when you are able. I will be glad whenever a post appears. God’s blessings and peace be with you.
Thank you for sharing some of your time at the Virginia Synod gathering. I do hope you will have some time to continue writing-I have found it most helpful in my ministry. Blessings as you move one to these new ventures. Peace & prayers.
David, I echo the sentiments of others: in gratitude at receiving this post, in excitement at your new leadership position, and in applauding your personal care intention without abandoning this blog all together. Being rather task-oriented (some call it being obsessively responsible) myself, be assured that your ponderings will be welcomed whenever you find your rhythm for this offering! Many thanks … and many blessings.
“I mean, better to write regularly, even occasionally, then to stop writing because I can’t write every day.”
Amen, ain’t that the truth, missed your blogs, glad when you can write anything and pleased you won’t obsess when you can’t write. I, for one, don’t want to add to any pressure on you to feel like you have to pump out a quota of blogs, just write when you can, because this website is such an inspiration, but don’t write when you are under the pump with all your other responsibilities or you might crack under too much pressure :0 – His yoke is easy.
Words cannot express my joy at seeing “In the Meantime” back in my In-Box. I have only subscribed to the blog since about February 2014 but it’s like having an old friend back. Re posting frequency, please just post as you can; this information consumer is after quality, not quantity.
Please also know that you are making an awesome difference in our church up here in Olds, AB Canada. We are undertaking a strategic planning initiative this coming Fall, I believe directly as a result of your work–your talk in Canmore, AB, to pastors, In the Meantime, DVDs and books). Our Pastor John Lentz’s sermon on Sunday recognized you and your work as the underpinning for this wonderful new adventure. I’m just a 70 year old volunteer who is fortunate enough to be in the middle of this joyous circus. We’re goin for it; thank you David for making all of this possible! Best of everything in your new position; the ship is turning.
Yogi Berra is also attributed with saying, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” I’m glad you did! May new joys and blessings unfold for you(in the multitude of ways they have unfolded for us, your readers) as you find your identity and bearings in your new Calling. We mourn with Luther Seminary and rejoice with LTSP. In the Meantime, please continue writing when and if you find the time. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person as our keynote speaker at the NT-NL Mission Area (AKA synod) Bishop’s Convocation in October.
David, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and plans. I understand the obsession part as I share it. I must confess however that I don’t always find the time to read your daily writings – and feel bad when I miss. Whenever I do read though they are inspirational, informative and rewarding. Keep up your writing whenever you can! And perhaps with fewer, I will be able to keep up too. Blessings on your new call. May God continue to use your gifted and unique self in many and glorious ways!
I’m so thankful you are back. My morning ALWAYS starts not with a morning coffee or the newspaper but with a check of ‘in the meantime’ for a new post. You always have something to hook my day on. You are a treasure. God Bless
I’m not a theologian or an expert at biblical knowledge, but I do enjoy your Blog. It always gives me something to reflect upon. Please continue, whenever you can. Blessings to you and your family during this transition and new calling.
I was pleased to see ‘In the Meantime’ back in my email. I enjoy it so much. I agree with all other comments, please continue to blog as you are able, no pressure but don’t stop!!! Enjoy the summer. Blessing to you and your family.
Such a blessing to receive your post, I’ve missed it! I understand the pressure of responsibility and feeling bad when not meeting your goal….I share this need to fulfill my promises but I’m working on giving myself a break and lightening up. It’s not easy but you’ll feel much better about writing for the joy of writing instead of a “have to get it done” blog.
Your blogs are so meaningful, I’m glad you’re not going to quit writing altogether and a once-in-a-while post will be a joy to receive….a day brightener. Your messages are spread far and wide to all the corners of the earth.
Peace and joy to you in your new call.
Thank you for your postings! God has blessed you with talents to share … and as a recipient I feel privileged to receive whenever your time commitments allow you to post and blog. Your books, dvd sessions, devotions and blogs have led me and many others through days of joy and trials. Congratulations on your new challenges and blessings!
HOORAY!
I too get into “should’a, got’ta, mode. It is called being a workaholic. I’m a recovering one but it took retirement to do it. Prayerfully I wish you a recovery sooner than that! Congratulations on your new post! Write your blog when you are able and can do it with joy. I missed your thoughts when you did not write but will enjoy them all the more when they are here – regularly or otherwise!
Thanks, David, for your forthrightness and honesty. Of course, NONE of us can identify with the sense of HAVING to complete something! I pray that you be freed from that “Law” and continue to be liberated by the gospel. I am looking forward to your thoughts, however often you are able to share them.
Just realized today that you were back writing — thank you, thank you, thank you!