Traveling Off the Map

As I wrote last week, it was my birthday last Thursday.  Eleven years ago, also on a Thursday, I turned 22.  That day I happened to listen to “Let That Be Enough” by Switchfoot. 

It was an interesting coincidence, and the song struck me.  At that time I was in an in between place.  I had graduated from college in Maryland, where most of my friends lived, and was back at my Dad’s house in Massachusetts working a temporary summer job.  My parents had divorced that year, I had no friends from high school, and I really had no idea what I was doing.  I had reached the edge of the map, so to speak.  It was always assumed that I would go to college, so when I finished that, there weren’t any more plans to follow.  “Let That Be Enough” really resonated. 

Shortly thereafter, in a turn of events that surprised me and everyone who knew me, I moved out to the Pacific Northwest, September 30th to be exact.  And thus began an amazing new chapter of my life.  I’ve lived here eleven years now and with last Thursday’s birthday, I feel like I’m beginning a new chapter.  This chapter doesn’t begin with moving, but it does push further off the map into uncharted (for me) territory.  The things I learn or struggle with along the way will make it onto my blog to share with you. 

One element of beginning a new chapter is reflecting on the old.  Or to use the map metaphor, looking back over where you’ve traveled.  Birthdays on Facebook mean wall posts with birthday wishes.  This year I took extra joy in all of the posts from friends.  Here, in one place, were birthday wishes from friends from every season and sphere of my life.  I was thankful, blessed, and humbled by all the people I’ve connected with over my thirty-three years.  I’ve traveled much, both metaphorically and literally, and I’ve been blessed to have shared so many different stretches of road with you, my friends and family, fellow journeyers on this road of life.  Thank you, and here’s to the next chapter!