Usually I do not feel the sense of malaise that is my current frame of mind at the seeing in of a New Year, but reminders of the nature of man can start to get in the way of progress. That is especially true when one realizes their nature is susceptible to the same defects as those that caused the current jaded outlook. Still, I must say that I am grateful for what I have in this life and the hope I have for the next one. I will just list a few of the things, good, bad, and indifferent, that are happening as we move toward 2019. First and foremost, we are healthy and free to pursue our dreams more than any time in our memory. The kids are making it on their own and progressing in ways that would make any parent grateful.

Second, the malaise comes out of a desire to do something good. Desiring the good is, of course, not the problem. The problem is figuring out how to partner with others of good will who have a world view, work ethic, and level of passion similar to your own. Right now I am contributing to three projects where there is a fairly large disconnect in at least one of those areas. This has given me pause so I am taking a few days to reflect on where I really want to go as my career winds down and “retirement approaches.”

This my first post since I decided to take the ChapmanKids blog private. It will allow me additional freedom to discuss things about which I have been reticent to write in the past. Frankly, that is a relief.