on the road again

It's been years since I pulled the original "Scenic Overlook" off Blogger, but the journey never stopped. It never does. Just because there's no travelogue doesn't mean there are no hills and valleys, adventures, mishaps and spectacular, breath-taking views.

For the last several days, the blog has been nagging at me. Never a great journalist, except during a particularly dark point, I have recently found the urge to send out some messages that point to hope, joy and glory for those who might need it. And I believe that's each of us. So here I am, back on the road again. You're welcome to come along.

There's lots of time to explore now, since my job of 33 years is almost over. We've sold off the publications, I've closed up the office and am in the process of dissolving the corporation and looking for work. So days are filled with resumes, cover letters, and job searches. It's a bad time to be out of work, made worse by the fact that I've never had to write a resume and found my last job through a newspaper classified in 1976. A lot has changed, and I've had to acquire many skills simply to be effective as an unemployed person. It's not for sissies.

Nonetheless, I've met amazing people out here in Unemploymentland. Some are desperate: benefits have run out, marriages are strained, creditors are impatient. Others have hope, naivete, or both. Some are as ruthless in unemployment as they've been in their careers, but most people display a nobility and dignity that reminds me that we are each created in the image of God.

So for them, and for me, and for you, too, I pray that God might give us work that gives us joy, dignity and fruitful days. And may our work bless those who need our help. Amen.