Dear John,

Dear Friend,

I know your name isn't John. That much I do remember. You wonder why it's been a while. And why it will be a while longer. Probably because a lot of your values and a lot of my values don't line up. I'm traveling in different circles. I've read your posts. And you can read mine. Yes. I still love you. Yes, I love Jesus. More than I ever did. More than I ever could. Yes, I value a large chunk of the good old days. But there are so many things that I said and did that I don't value. And so many things I said and did that are completely counter to my values now. I think, pejoratively, you'd call me Woke. Fair enough. Waking up, at least. One of my sons says that I'm in my "Love Everybody" Phase. Only what he doesn't know is that it isn't a phase. And while I desperately want to love you, it's going to take some energy I don't have, and can't find. It will come. Oh, God will give it. But not today. Not in this chapter of the story of me. I'm OK with that. Are you? If not, put yourself in a place where I'll keep tripping over you. That seems to work. Until then Grace. Unless you're worried it's the wrong flavor. And then More Grace, and maybe a healthy dose of Mercy.

Thus spake,

me.