The wideness of God's mercy, as the old hymn says (morning by morning new mercies I see); the sudden way that grace makes all things good.~Kathleen Norris (From Dakota, A Spiritual Geography)

Today I write my 400th blog entry. In some ways, this truth seems momentous. In another way, it is simply a milestone. I've needed to be here. Fleeing to the page, picking up the pen (my sister's term) feels as if it's saved my life over and over again. I started writing for real in 2002 when I'd almost forsworn Christianity--at least I thought I had. At first, I ventured to the white, empty space hesitantly. But soon, the blank lines began to fill with black ink as I poured out my feelings and questions about life with the remaining threadbare strands of faith in God I had left. Writing became a companion in that austere region, like a sturdy cane for an aching limp. I had no idea the profligate grace I needed then. I probably still don't. God has used the page as a catalyst to help me connect with Him, to understand that it is only by His mercy and faithfulness that I continue on the pilgrim road this side of His Kingdom. And I find it heartening that at consistent intervals you join me here in this spiritual geography. Thank you.

Number 400 has me looking back. Musing on the writing life. It takes bravery to keep moving forward inside this landscape, though I'd never turn back. The topography can be bleak at times. Yet there are realms of beauty that often cause me to suck in my breath. Wondrous sights. Vaulted blue ceilings of sky, the sight of an open road that inspires the lovliness of solitude. But when loneliness invades, there is birdsong, or a dark v-shape of geese flying overhead. A stand of trees or a wooden bench situated by a lake. Pinpricks of stars glowing on a chilled evening at dusk. A crescent moon. Sometimes a fellow traveler, a backpack filled with images and words and ideas we share over a campfire together, singing songs we know by heart. Then parting ways, we each take our separate paths. A bear hug, that sweet embrace of someone who sees what's hard and simultaneously understands it's worth all the time spent in pursuit of writing things down.

"Keep going. Take courage. I'll see you on the other side where all our books and words and images are stored and redeemed in the Kingdom Library. God's grace and peace to you."