The Rationale for This Blog-Thing

The notion of keeping a blog has literally been a topic of debate in my mind for the last couple of weeks.  I questioned the idea of having a public space in my life in which anyone can engage.  I questioned the purpose of the blog, the upkeep of the blog, and the role of the blog for my soul's well-being. Obviously, having the blog won over.  My rationale for this line of thought is that I think a blog demonstrates well the conviction that I would like my life always to be community-centered.  In that I would like my fears, struggles and victories to be shared, I would also like my learning to be shared.  Let's be honest.  Most of my learning comes from life with you guys anyway, haha.  Next, I recognize a intrinsic desire for me to always seek out the best in people.  More than feeling excited when the beauty of something is discovered, however, I am exhilarated when people with me find beauty in what is discovered.  Further, I think a blog would be a worthwhile place to share the next six-month period on a more regular basis.  While the time involved in keeping a blog well is perhaps not sustainable for longer periods, I think that the upcoming experience in Cambodia grants that I communicate as best I can.   

For my own soul's sake, I have in the midst of this, set up some boundaries for precautionary measures.

1. This blog is always to be others-centered.

2. The blog must not inhibit me from being present with my immediate community.  Instead of taking away from my community, I should bring others into it a process that adds to the solidarity of the community.  

3. I recognize that I am a necessary and important part to this blog's existence.  That said, the blog must authentically depict both my weaknesses as well as my strengths, to the healthiest extent.  

4. Recognizing also that online space in virtually no space for real connections and relationships, this blog should never substitute for being intentional in my relationships. 

5. I must, as in all things, hold writing loosely.  If for any reason, I begin losing sleep in my mullings - which I admit I am apt to do - I will give this baby a rest to care for my soul.