The Journey

I have arrived in Prague after a long day's journey. Perhaps of no surprise, I had begun to read the Lord of the Rings at the start of my trip. As I entered into this story again I found myself identifying with the narrative. For example, have you ever recognized the connection between Hepburn, Saskatchewan and Hobbiton, Shire. After a long arduous journey through the night, the hobbits stopped briefly at Bree, while I had a layover in London, the representative English city. I am presently reading about the Council of Elrond, which reminded me of the day long meetings I was a part of. This connection is further reflected in the similarity between the International Baptist Theological Seminary, which is located in a beautiful estate nestled in a wooded valley and Rivendell. Of course none of this is allegorical since I agree with Tolkien: "I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence."

A couple of random observations:

While in London I bought the least expensive burger meal at this Burger King in the Heathrow airport. It cost a whopping 4.40 pounds. This works out to $10.19 Canadian!

In the London airport washroom, the "flush" button is labeled "WAVE ON." But be careful...I literally had to step back after pushing it in order not to get splashed!

Beginning

Then is now! This is that! These mottos contain an inherent paradox. Yet it is in the bridging of the chasm between now and then that what was initially incomprehensible is discovered. The title for my blog is James Wm. McClendon Jr.'s "baptist vision." This is a hermeneutical strategy for interpreting our own experience in light of the biblical story. This vision proposes a way to see our lives that can provide meaning where before only a clouded gap appeared.

I've been quite hesitant to begin blogging as Leighton can attest to. I suspect that he will not quite believe that I have actually posted my first post. I will not dwell on my suspicions about the whole blogging enterprise, for I have now entered the fray as one more... Yet this beginning here and now has a particular impetus. I'm about to begin a short journey which I hope to share with you through pictures and reflections.