I quietly quit blogging a few years back, which was spurred by many reasons. Watching our cultural shift toward deeper division and hatred was among the catalysts. In addition, a lot was happening in my personal and professional life, leading to unrest, discovery, doubt, and more.

Physically, I’ve had setbacks in vision, stamina, weight, and mental clarity. Personal relationships have suffered even as others have flourished. The world of blogging changed a lot in that time, too. Platforms and the ways content is consumed altered, and I questioned, “Why the heck am I even doing this?”

All this and more caused a pause. And in the pause, I gave thought to the best next steps even as I moved forward elsewhere.

I did a deep dive into researching the early 1900s and key events in northeast Indiana, followed by the drafting of my first historical fiction novel based on that research. I have a bit to finish writing before entering the editing stage. I am very excited about this passion project that is literally two decades in the making and, in it, there will be some insights into the crisis that has been in my mind all this time.

Also, during the blogging exodus, I returned to an earlier role as a “local baseball historian” by researching and presenting on local Auburn, Indiana legend Rollie Zeider. This was another longtime goal and one that proved to be incredibly rewarding.

I have become more active as a board member of the Auburn Arts Commission, connecting with people in my local community.

I have moved into an exciting new season of my career that includes leading an awesome team of business intelligence professionals. I was even blessed to meet and appear on the podcast of one of my most admired industry thought leaders at a conference where I was invited to present.

I have also stepped out of active church leadership. It is the first time in 16+ years that neither I nor my wife has held an elected position in our church. While bittersweet, it is refreshing to have an opportunity to engage in new ways and with different perspectives. We remain in the church and are enjoying our time as mere followers.

On that note, I will confess that I have had a very different relationship with God the past 3ish years. Not adversarial or angry. Not doubtful. Perhaps distant. I have questioned Him and I have felt remorse as well as ambiguous loss despite never truly actualizing any true loss. Hard to explain, really.

During the “brutal February” of this year, you might say some scales were loosened from my eyes. I can’t say that God and I are tight in a warm embrace. And that’s okay. I can’t say that everything is “good” because there is always a counterbalance to be had and one step forward is often followed by two steps back.

But I can say I am working hard to ensure the ship is righting and navigating toward better horizons. Even as I have days of darkness and hopelessness. Even as I am on the brink of complete brokenness. For at rock bottom, I still have a firm grip on the Rock.

I may share more in the coming days. And I do aim to be a little more active in posting into the foreseeable future. For now, I leave you with a simple bit of wisdom:

It is well when “it” is rooted in humble love.