February 07, 2026

A Man and Two Dogs — Bass Lake, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, North Carolina

We belong to the time and place of our living. We are not here on vacation. We have duties and obligations in line with bringing ourselves forth, being who we are and doing what is ours to do here, now in each/every situation as it arises.

What needs to be done? What needs us to do it? With the gifts that are ours from birth? The questions are guides offering purpose and direction. Inviting us to pause and consider, “Who are we? What are we to be about?”

The answers assist us in the unfolding of our life in this time, this place, here, now. Which is how we find our niche, our shtick, our Thing and do it for life, with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength.

How long has it been since we lived with our heart in what we were doing? How much longer will it be until we do? It only takes turning to the silence (emptiness, stillness) and asking, “What do you want me to want to do?” Then waiting for the mud to settle and the water to clear.

Published by jimwdollar

I'm retired, and still finding my way--but now, I don't have to pretend that I know what I'm doing. I retired after 40.5 years as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA, serving churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. I graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, Texas, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. My wife, Judy, and I have three daughters, five granddaughters, one great granddaughter, and a great grandson on the way, within about ten minutes from where we live--and are enjoying our retirement as much as we have ever enjoyed anything.

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