Why a blog?

Summary

 I try too hard to contribute to conversation.  Put another way, I talk too much.  I'm coming to realize it's a form of arrogance.  And yet, I can't shake the feeling that God is teaching me useful things that might help others.  So, this is an experiment.  Whenever I think I should speak up, I'll probably blog it, instead.

Details

I have no idea how this is going to play out.  It may become a private journal.  It may be just a way to let my family and closest friends know what's going through my head.  It may get a wider audience.  Just allowing for the possibility that there may be a wider audience is a red flag that I'm seeking acclaim.  Holy Spirit, guide me.

I remember an official in my general church (Nazarene) saying that pastors have a tendency to share everything God tells them whether it was intended for their congregation or not.  "I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet" (Amos) so I don't pretend to have the authority or mandate of a pastor, but I can see the analogy.  To be fair, it happens with everything in my life.  I used to think I was a teacher, but I've come to believe I just want to show off.  

Writing always clarifies, but I'm lazy.  We'll see whether I can keep this up.  God may lead me to clarify my thoughts here to be prepared to succinctly explain them verbally, when appropriate.  I'd like to think that whatever the reason I "think too much" that he has a use for it.  

I have a tendency to think out loud.  Rather than wearing out my friends by using them as sounding boards I'll try to start fleshing out ideas here.  Again, only sharing them when they are succinct and appropriate.

All this can be accomplished with a journal.  I'm prepared to accept that my ideas aren't that earth-shaking and don't need to go beyond my own head.  But for now, I want to have a platform I can link to.  An intermediate way of exposing a complicated thought to a listener while letting them decide whether they want to pursue it.  I think my family will be interested.  If nothing more than knowing when to have me committed.

And speaking of my kids, I want very much to let them see what God is doing in my life.  An older friend said his kid told him, "Dad, you're retired with a lot of time.  We don't have time to think about and read every article you send us."  A useful insight.  Even if I have a responsibility as a father to instruct my kids, this blog might make it easier to digest my "elderly wisdom" at their own pace and timing.

Above all, may God be glorified.  I'm learning what that really means and I don't know exactly how it might happen.  But may the Holy Spirit use my love for Jesus and my joy at what he is teaching me to somehow speak to any reader who happens to wander along.  Especially to those who have followed a similar path.