Baptismal Waters

In Minnesota, we say that if you want to learn how to swim, then jump off the end of the dock. Mason Jennings sings about the life available to us if we make this choice, and the power of a loving relationship to provide the courage to do so.

At a little wooden cabin, up in northern Minnesota, we ran together down to the dock, and you jumped right off it. And from out in the water, you called me to join you. I said "Baby I cannot swim; if I jump, I'll surely drowned you." You said, "Life has no limit, if you're not afraid to get in it." Oh baby, I jumped to you, since then there's nothing I can't do. I'm never going to give you up. Dear God, if you ain't got love. If you ain't got love, what do you got if you ain't got love?

Here this morning, these words have taken on a whole new wonderful depth. I have long struggled to conceptualize "God," who or what we mean when we use this name, and if we mean anything real at all. Hearing anew the story of a leap of faith into the places that scare us suddenly strikes me as an incredibly sacred story. That which beckons us to live the life we know we ought to be living, that which holds us in a loving embrace as we come forward with all our fears and uncertainties, that which moves us to act despite these, and that which offers a life of purpose and abundance here and now - that is the unfolding and inspiring Light that I shall call God.  

As I have been challenged over the past week by decisions placed before me in my career, I have placed all my trust in living the authentic life that stays true to the Light, as best as I can discern. Through moments of uncertainty and difficulty, here I have found wisdom and solace. From out in the water, I see something renewed: maybe I have faith after all. 

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You can listen to the song for free on Mason's website under the Boneclouds album.

20 Weeks

Hello Little Bugger. It's your dad. Your momma and I are so very excited to have you in our lives!

At the moment, we are twenty weeks through your mother's pregnancy. We have been thinking of you for much longer, though.  Your mom came back from Tanzania with safari decor for your baby room;  that was before the two of us were even married! I picked out your first winter hat a few years ago at a thrift shop in Denver. In Peru, your mom picked out the most cuddly sweater for you (alpaca wool will keep you nice and warm in Colorado and Minnesota). In Alaska, I found a onesie with bear paw prints (at a thrift store of course!). You see, you were never far from our hopes; we just needed to travel the world first to get you some clothes.

I vividly remember when we first found out about you. It was one of the happiest moments of my life! The whole world glowed with a new light.

Your mother is tough as nails. I do not need to get into all the grizzly details, but she has been sick many times in many interesting places. She does not complain. She just rubs her tummy: "I love you Little Bugger." Then she eats some more.

Already, you are a wild child. Your mother has carried you along by ski, bike and kayak. You have been rappelling in Mexico and camping in the Rockies. Next week you are heading up to Banff! In the meantime, I am studying my options for carrying you into the backcountry and taking you along for mountain bike rides. Of course, I have plenty of sleds ready to go. There will be no shortage of new adventures!

When it is time to rest after a adventurous outing, there is nothing like a good book! We have started with the classics: Calvin and Hobbes, John Muir, and Shel Silverstein. You seem to enjoy reading, as far as I can tell.

It took many sleepless nights to determine your name. We have many criteria! Unique but vaguely familiar. Meaningful but flexible. Wintry and adventurous but  subtle. A cool look. A fun sound. Two syllables followed by one.  What to do with your middle and last name. Capable of withstanding the test of time. Finally, we have a boy's name and a girl's name ready to go! (Don't worry - we tempered some of our crazier ambitions. We are sure that you will be shaking your head about us plenty as is!) You will be a surprise at birth.

In the meantime, your mother and I will continue to prepare for your arrival. We are working hard to create a wonderful world for you. This time and place you are about to enter is pretty darn nice. Though is not always easy, and there is always more work to do, living and loving is quite an amazing experience. We cannot wait to share it with you!

There is no need to rush. Things that matter in life take much time and energy to develop. Grow big and strong, Little Bugger! We are patiently waiting, and will be here to welcome you. Just let us know when you are ready to take the leap of faith!

All my love,
dad

Solo

Following Wexan, here is the second video from Alaska 2013.