Next Chapters and Sour Burst Bubble Gum

Living in Alaska, there is always someone leaving and someone arriving. This happens  a bit more often than in other places I have lived. Alaska is a place that provides space for possibilities to flourish and be realized. In those chapters, many special folks have come and gone. Some who have blessed my life include military families, the college bound, Americorp and Jesuit volunteers, oil company executive families, retired teachers, Peace Corp volunteers, retirement to the lower 48, and many more.  Some leave Alaska to pursue goals elsewhere. Some arrive with hopes and dreams. Lives overlap and there is synergy. Then next chapters beckon.  In this frozen land that borders the ring of volcanic fire, there is an energy of  extremes that weaves fire and ice through discernments around change. As choices are made for next chapters, the surprises that follow as one by one we step out on faith are like the new bubble gum I tried yesterday... there is a hint of the safe familiar flavor followed by a unique new twist of zest and tanginess.  May all our next chapters be so:  enfolded by a hint of the safe and familiar, then followed by a new twist of zest !