It’s June 1.
But you knew that already.
I’ve been thinking for the last couple weeks about making some adjustments for this month, trying to establish, or reestablish some routine. I have some things to write. I have some things to read. I have some breathing to do.
I was writing to a student the other day, helping him think through how to prepare for preaching. To help us think it through, I pointed to Psalm 1, the first song in the book of Psalms. I suggested that at least one of the themes of that psalm is this: To have wisdom to navigate the disruptions that are life, choose to dwell on these things, choose to not dwell on those.
And I unpacked it a little for him.
It was fun.
After some tough moments the last few days for many people in my circles and some of the people I saw at the hospital, there was value to writing reflectively between the oil change and the sewer cleaning.
I need to do that a little more.
So I’m going to give myself and you a little space for the month of June.
Rich will be here on Wednesdays. Paul will be writing here tomorrow. And I’ll post a couple times a week during the month. But I’ll also spend some time reading.
It’s my version of a summer break.
Or better, choosing to dwell on these things, choosing not to dwell on those.
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On Fridays, you’ll still be able to read my weekly newsletter, “Finding words in hard times.) I’d love for you to subscribe.
Thanks for being there.
300 words a day 
Mary Nardone-Smith
I just love your honesty, and how you very often put into words the feelings and thoughts that I have been having. Thank you.
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Jon Swanson
Thanks Mary.
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Bill Lee
Jon,
Thanks for this and other examples that you have set over the last few months. Ben smelling the flowers comes to mind.
One person can only do so much and still do justice to those priorities and to those around us.
I hope you really do have a chance to take a deep breath.
Bill
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Jon Swanson
So Bill. I know I’ll have the chance. The question is, will I be willing? That’s the challenge. I’m working on it.
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Kara
Hi Jon!
I’m taking some breathing space, too. I finished the MMin, went to commencement on April 29, and started a seminar on Deuteronomy on April 30 to continue the MATS. A week and a half ago I dropped the Deuteronomy class. It was just too much for right now. I’ve since realized that I’ve been going at this almost non-stop since March 2020 and finally remembered (before I got knocked down and forced to remember – though always by His grace) that I don’t actually *have* to do any of this. It’s all my choice and I can set the pace.
Thank you again for your teaching and example that helped me re-member.
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Jon Swanson
And there have been a couple other thngs going on since March 2020, too. Congratulations on the MMin. And on taking a break. Well done. (I think Moses would agree.)
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Kara M
Thank you!
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