Number 8659
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25 NIV
Would not have room – This is number 8659. Eight thousand six hundred fifty-nine posts about biblical words. That’s twenty-three years worth of daily dialogues. And you know what? I’m tired. I’m wearing down. There are days when I ask myself, “Do you really have anything more to say?” There’s a big difference between the common and routine sermon subjects and eight thousand six hundred fifty-nine word investigations. I try to find something new each day. Oh, sometimes I repeat myself. Usually intentionally because I think it’s worth hearing something more than once. But not often. My intention is to discover something new in each of those eight thousand six hundred fifty-nine words. But I’m feeling the strain. Like today when I feel exactly unlike John. He might have thought that there was no end to the things one could learn about Yeshua, but I’m beginning to feel that there is definitely an end to the things I can write about Scripture. Once, a long time ago, I set an imaginary goal of 10,000 posts. Now that goal is less than four years away, and I’m wondering if I can really get there.
What do I learn from this trivial reminiscing? I actually learn something important. I’m not sure who I will be when I stop writing. It has been so much a part of me for so long that I don’t know what will happen when I reach the end. I find the phrase, “I used to be an author” quite scary. And that reveals something about each one of us. When we stop doing what we’ve been doing all of our lives, who will we be? Are we defined by our actions, our “doing”? That seems to be a Hebrew idea. It’s what I do that matters. But what happens when I don’t “do” any more?
One of the other things that has happened recently is the discovery that I actually can’t do all those things I used to do. This was a particularly painful lesson from my last slot canyon adventure. Near the end of four hours climbing up and down rocks inside the canyon, I just couldn’t keep going. I had to have the guides get me out with a motorized rescue vehicle. And I wasn’t embarrassed. I was relieved. By that time every step hurt. What I did just seven years ago I could not do two weeks ago. Age and injuries are catching up. I thought to myself, “What will I be when I am no longer able to go where I want to go?” I still have a long list of places I want to experience, but as my wife told me after she learned of my “rescue,” “From now on it’s luxury travel, baby.” That actually sounds appealing. I’m pretty sure I can’t climb into another slot canyon even if they are some of the most beautiful places on earth. And I’m beginning to think I won’t make it to Nepal.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been blessed. I’ve seen so many wonderful expressions of God’s creative imagination. I’ve met people all over the world. I’ve written things that meant something to me. And I’ve had your company along the way. I really have nothing to complain about—but I do feel the end is coming. Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe I just need to be more focused for the remaining 1,341. What do you think?
Topical Index: end, age, purpose, meaning, John 21:25
I hope you have at least another 8659 Today’s Words in you. One of the first things I do when I get up after taking my dog for a walk is read the latest Today’s Word at breakfast. Some of your writing has challenged long cherished views of mine. Often I agree with you. Sometimes I don’t. You always make me thing and quite often give me much more to study on my own. Don’t get discouraged you are making a difference.
I think, Skip, that your process of thinking comes by writing, and your writing comes by thinking. Your diligence has been a gift for me (for several years now) because I needed a place to start in my own journey from jaded disappointment and frustration to an affirmed confidence that the Scriptures do make known and knowable God’s reality in relationship with fallen humans who are reconciled to God and redeemed from destruction through his self-revelation… that is to say, through God’s self-same revelation which served to expose me that I, too, might find my own self revealed). You and your diligent act of faith are indeed a blessing to many.
Listening is (as are so many other things that we take for granted) essentially an act of man’s will, yet the capacity to hear is given, and its “giveness” is sometimes overwhelmed by the work, acts, and mundane procedures of labor in this life. Listening must be accompanied by the character of hearing that it may derive its profit. My questions to you in the midst of your circumstances are (with absolutely no criticism intended or implied): 1) Do you find yourself still listening for the Word of God? 2) Are you able to hear what He speaks?
Regardless, you still have our company, prayerfully, along the way. And thank you… sincerely.
Skip,
This so resonates with me! How will I feel when I can no longer do what I did even a year ago? As I continue to deal with a foot injury that impacts one of the things I love to do – take long morning walks and be with nature and HaShem, I wonder what happens if/when I can no longer do it? Just thinking about it causes angst. I remind myself that one day I will no longer be here in this world and to make sure I’m doing everything I can to leave behind something that helps others. That’s what you’ve done for me Skip. I was introduced to the Hebrew worldview thru you and my life has been changed forever! So as you wind down physically, remember that you still have a whole lot of wisdom and life experience to keep pouring out into us!
Thank you. And to all who responded. It’s very reassuring to know that what I am doing makes a difference. So, keep on keeping on.
I appreciate you sharing your journey. I’ve learned a lot through you. You’ve challenged my thinking and beliefs many times. Thank you for all you’ve done, Skip.
Skip, I have had fewer than 10 life changing events in my life and meeting you and Roseanne in the middle of the Med. was one of them. My spiritual life was in a state of flux at the time but it became crystalized after beginning to read your blog, much for the better may I say so thanks to you both for being who you are and what you do every day.
I know from personal experience that turning 80 is a huge difficult transition era. We are so pleased to hear about your miraculous improvement from Dan. Thanks for everything you do. Keep on truckin’. Love and blessings. George and Penny
About 7 years ago I found your site quite by accident. Without going into too much detail, I was reading an article from an online Messianic preacher that quoted from some of our articles regarding biblical translations. The quotes were so spot on that I decided I should look you up. I haven’t looked back. It’s Skip Moen every morning with my morning coffee. Like so many, you have become very much a part of my life. When I read this TW it made me sad. Many times, over the past 7 years I would often think to myself what would happen when Skip has said all he can say, and TW has had its run. Where wilI I go? What will I do? I completely understand where you are coming from. Age and time will have their way no matter how much we militate against them. You have given so much to so many. When the day comes and you decide you need to stop, it will be a bittersweet day for all of us. So grateful for what you have given us and sad that such a good thing must inevitably come to an end. That being said, I must admit being somewhat selfish. I would urge you to keep going, maybe you could phase it out gently, so it is not such a shock to our psyche. Whatever you decide, there is no way I can thank you enough for all you have given me. You have made an indelible impact on my life and though we do not know each other well, I would consider you as a cherished friend. God speed Skip Moen.
Skip I don’t know what happened to my comment but let’s try this again.
I used to love to hike, bike, sing, dance, water ski, swim, landscape, build etc……..
About 10 years ago (after several years of ever increasing struggle) I discovered that I have COPD.
Since then I’ve discovered that I have more time now to study, and teach which I love.
I now teach my grandkids how to landscape and build things. They do the labor.
Hiking and biking have given way to walking and driving at low altitude. Dancing is now done slowly, singing is softer and slightly off key. Water-skiing and swimming is now soaking and floating etc……
My point is I’m learning to enjoy the same things in different ways with the bonus of having time to pass them on to the next generation alongside imparting the wisdom I’ve gained over the years much of which comes from you. Please don’t stop writing and teaching. What you’re writing these days are your best work making an impact on generations to come through all of us who receive the fruit of your labor. Your style has changed for the better if that’s possible.
Please press in and keep on keeping on.