There's a tension in me that craves uniformity with my peers, but at the same time is restless for more, something bigger than myself. Case in point: I wasn't the typical business, engineering, or science major, but chose liberal arts. My mainstream job in marketing turned into a 10+ year career in teaching English as a second language, a profession of nomads and save-the-world types. I left a perfectly decent job and promotion for the missions field. I entered seminary and finished a second masters degree. I'm unmarried and give lots of my time to the church. On a good day, I'm thankful for my journey. On my bad days (which seem to outweigh the good), I'm painfully aware that I stick out, and that mine is a road less taken.

I sometimes lament the urge that keeps me restless. But as much as I tout being alone, I know that I am surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses - many throngs of others who have contended for Christ's sake and have given up far, far, more than me. No more self-pity. Back to the race.