Saturday morning Rich and I left Vancouver and began the 3-hour drive home. We had just spent several days at the Vineyard USA Northwest Regional Conference. The last evening, we transitioned the region from my leadership to a brilliant young leader, Marshal, the lead pastor of the Vancouver Vineyard. 

As we were driving, listening to the Beatle’s “Two of Us” singing loudly, I was looking at the side of the freeway, and gorgeous purple and orange wildflowers were bursting with vibrant colors. The lyrics struck me, “We’re on our way home, We’re going home. You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.” There was something about ending my time as the Regional Leader, driving home, seeing beauty all around me, and all the memories of the past sixteen years leading one way or another in the Vineyard gave me such a sense of peace. That time has ended, and it is the right time for a new chapter that has already opened! 

I will be forever grateful for how the Vineyard was a place for me to grow. In 1985, I walked into Alderwood Vineyard after my life had train wrecked. I was embraced, loved, and challenged. I grew in my relationship with God with an understanding of my story and what led to the train wreck. It was from this place I later was part of planting a church, then leading a congregation, to the Area Leader for Washington churches, and in 2012, as the Regional Leader for the Northwest.

I am reflecting on the last year; as I went through a discernment process, the next chapter began to open. First, it was scary, and I wondered if I had aged out. Then, finally, it became clear to me the four things opening: 1. More time with The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, 2. Make space for more clients for Spiritual Direction/Mentoring/Coaching/Consulting, 3. Write (so I started this blog), and 4. Transition the region well. 

All four areas of discernment are in full swing! I love the work I get to do at the School; I love the one-on-one clients and consulting, I am slow on writing, but the transition was as good as possible. For all of this and more, I am very grateful!

This quote from Parker Palmer (Let Your Life Speak) has been my experience. Sometimes I have found myself letting others tell me who I am, but for this stage of my life, I am comfortable in my skin and want to live in that place.

​​“Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.”