Introduction

I lost my way, I forgot to call on your name. The raw
heart beat against the world, and the tears were for my 
lost victory. But you are here. You have always been here.
The world is all forgetting, and the heart is a rage of 
directions, but your name unifies the heart, and the 
world is lifted into its place. Blessed is the one who waits
in the traveler’s heart for his turning.
     -Leonard Cohen, Book of Mercy

            I started this year with plenty of new. New job, new living space, new chapter in life. It only seemed right that I find a new way to feed my soul, so I started writing content for a blog, which I am calling Hopeful Wanderer. It partly inspired by the poem above and an advent devotion. Hopeful, because I am not lost or without destination. My destination is my heavenly home, further up and further in, where I will be fully known and see God clearly. There my desire will be fully satisfied even as it continually grows. Wanderer, because this journey is still worthy of being noticed in its own time, and because my heart still needs to be led in love. I am still learning my orientation, trying to follow a song my soul longs to sing. 

            The point of this blog is not to gain readers or earn money; I simply need to write, and I know that it will keep me accountable if I am writing something that someone else might read. I’m afraid if I fail to write at all, I will lose the quality of writing I have worked so hard to cultivate. There is also the added benefit of writing words that have an impact on someone else. This blog won’t necessarily have a theme or category; rather, it will be a collection of my musings on life, engagement with books and stories, and attempts to be a profound theologian. If what I write makes you think or want to pursue further discussion, I welcome any responses, be they praise or critique. I can’t say where this hopeful wandering will take me, but I do know that it will be exciting and good, and I invite you to wander along with me.