race you to the waterside.

Oh, hey, tumblr.  Long time no see.

It feels so good to be back - not quite like reconnecting with an old friend, more like hearing an old song from high school….one that reminds you of a part of yourself you’ve long forgotten.  In this case, it was an old song from February, which actually feels further away than the days I spent wandering the halls of ELCA.  It’s funny how you can go through such a long period of stagnation and then suddenly rush through years of growth and change in just a few months’ time.

Paris was beautiful, Amsterdam amusing, Prague heartwrenching.  And let’s not forget London, where I repeatedly lost and found and lost and found myself again, and perhaps came out better than before.  But these are all stories for another day.  For the moment I just wanted to say a quiet “hello” as I slip back into this world I’d forgotten.  And because we’re already here and should give credit where credit is due, here are the lyrics that brought back all my memories:

As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts
Oh the warmth in your eyes swept me into your arms
Was it love or fear of the cold that led us through the night?
For every kiss your beauty trumped my doubt

And my head told my heart
“Let love grow”
But my heart told my head
“This time no
This time no”

We’ll be washed and buried one day my girl
And the time we were given will be left for the world
The flesh that lived and loved will be eaten by plague
So let the memories be good for those who stay

And my head told my heart
“Let love grow”
But my heart told my head
“This time no”
Yes, my heart told my head
“This time no
This time no”

Oh the shame that sent me off from the God that I once loved
Was the same that sent me into your arms
Oh and pestilence is won when you are lost and I am gone
And no hope, no hope will overcome

And if your strife strikes at your sleep
Remember spring swaps snow for leaves
You’ll be happy and wholesome again
When the city clears and sun ascends

And my head told my heart
“Let love grow”
But my heart told my head
“This time no”

And my head told my heart
“Let love grow”
But my heart told my head
“This time no
This time no”

-Mumford and Sons