There were a lot of words on this page just a few minutes ago. It felt a little silly when all I really want to say is, “thank you.” So I whittled a tree down to a toothpick.

Writing an occasional word to you has been a unique journey for me, a steep learning curve at times, and one I don’t take lightly as it may capture a bit of your day here and there when there’s so much else you could be doing. My sincere thanks for reading and tolerating the odd fumble, the intermittent ramble, and an (unintentional?) pot stirring now and again. You guys are good sports. Well, for the most part.

Now is the time to become quieter. By discontinuing Beyond Lashley Lane I am raising one hand into the air and reclaiming a path that is more distant, rural in its peacefulness. Calm. Away. A sanctuary. I can almost hear the cows from two farms over.

Henri Nouwen says this:

There is a false form of honesty that suggests that nothing should remain hidden and that everything should be said, expressed, and communicated. This honesty can be very harmful, and if it does not harm, it at least makes the relationship flat, superficial, empty, and often very boring. When we try to shake off our loneliness by creating a milieu without limiting boundaries, we may become entangled in a stagnating closeness. It is our vocation to prevent the harmful exposure of our inner sanctuary, not only for our own protection but also as a service to our fellow human beings with whom we want to enter in a creative communion. Just as words lose their power when they are not born out of silence, so openness loses its meaning when there is no ability to be closed.

Before my brain turns to mush from Diet Pepsi consumption, I’m planning on some reading and scheming and listening to God. I will be “jotting things down” — the title of my long-ago journal notes when I was too embarrassed to actually journal — in a different format. What that looks like remains to be seen. Or not seen.

In the beginning I promised you a bit of humor and a healthy dose of Christian encouragement. I hope both those goals were met. If it’s weird to say, “I love you” to each of you then so be it. Because I do.

And since the mothering habit is hard to shake, I feel a little guilty for abandoning you. So here’s a song to grab onto if you need an anchor. Lyrics to follow for our deaf and hard of hearing friends.

Speak To The Mountains

Why would I worry
When giants come calling my name?
My God is so much bigger than troubles I face
Why would I hunger
For power or riches or fame?
Oh, ’cause my God is so much better than all of these things

So I won’t be shaken
I won’t be moved
My God is faithful
His promise is true
So I’ll speak to the mountains
“Oh, it’s time to move
‘Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greater than you”

My enemies scatter
‘Cause they know the battle is done
My God is stronger, the victory’s already won
Yeah, He died for my ransom
And rose up on the third day
Oh, ’cause my God is greater than death, hell, and the grave

Oh, I won’t be shaken
Oh, I won’t be moved
My God is faithful
His promise is true
So I speak to the mountains
“Oh, it’s time to move
‘Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greater than you” oh

There’s no mountain too high
No valley too low
There’s no fear that I have
He doesn’t already know
There’s no problem too big
There’s no weapon too strong
There is nothing for God that’s impossible

There’s no mountain too high
No valley too low
There’s no fear that I have
He doesn’t already know
There’s no problem too big
There’s no weapon too strong
There is nothing for God that’s impossible
(Nothing’s impossible)

I won’t be shaken
No, I won’t be moved
My God is faithful (oh, He’s so faithful)
His promise is true
So I speak to the mountains
“Oh, it’s time to move
‘Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greater
Bigger, better, stronger, greater
Bigger, better, stronger, greater
Bigger, better, stronger, greater
Bigger, better, stronger, greater than you”

Take care.

Be good to each other.

Seek Jesus.

Find Hope.

Much love,

MM