I didn't plan to stop. I guess the inverse is true too: I didn't have a (good) plan to keep going. The world didn't suffer in my absence; and it won't so much benefit by my input. But, I'm picking up my proverbial pen anyway.
One of the first ditties I wrote in this blog - a forum which will be finding a new title soon - was Shooters Shoot. The idea was built around basketball and my son.
He was an unselfish player, with great court sense, precise passing skills and tenacious defense. I constantly reminded him though, that often the best thing for the team, and therefore the most UNselfish thing, was for him to shoot. Said like a proud and overly-involved dad I know, but many times his not-so-great shot, was better than any other taken by his team for several trips down the court.
I would unceasingly chirp, "SHOOTERS SHOOT!"
Writing has been my "shot." I was a pastor for many years and had the opportunity to speak hundreds of times per year. But times change. Directions change. Venues change. We change. But some things are constant. Shooters Shoot is one for me.
One day I may write something that you find meaningful. Whether that happens or not, I can promise the effort and the joy of releasing the (writing) shot was meaningful to me.
I will shoot some spiritual shots. Some people won't like it. Some will disagree. (I'm always open for mutually-respectful open-minded dialogue.) Others may too-quickly accept my words because of the ministry credentials. Don't. Weigh them. Filter them. Test them. And always know that before something hits the page, I've wrestled with it - and usually still am.
I will shoot some inspirational shots. I'll quote Rocky, Maximus Decimus Meridius and William Wallace, along with Winnie the Pooh. I hope in these you find just a little spark to get over the hump. I hope you and I realize the incredible souls we are, and can be. We all need a push now and then.
I will shoot some smart-ass shots. Sorry, not very pastoral. But it's who I am. And it makes me snicker as I write.
I'll post in various spots and hope to annoy with my presence. Inspiration for me comes in spurts. So I have no idea of my shooting regularity.
So there it is for now. I'm picking up the pen - (He announced, as the world said, "huh, who are you?") No matter, Shooters Shoot.
At least now I can say to those who asked why I stopped writing: "What are you talking about, I haven't stopped shooting."
Yeah, but this particular blog ditty isn't inspirational. It's not spiritual. And it's certainly not smart-ass enough to be funny, you say.
Oh well, I can't express to you at this very moment in a Detroit hotel room, how meaningful it is to me.
That's my shot.
For now,
D
