The Perennial Journey

According to my scant records, I began writing this blog ten years ago. My goals were grand, though as time would tell, somewhat unrealistic. I don’t know what stops and starts occurred in your life since January 2014, but mine has seen momentous events. My husband’s formerly robust health began deteriorating—cardiovascular symptoms first required a pacemaker, then more drastic lifestyle changes after a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis. His death in May 2022 began a new course in my own life. To magnify the realities of inevitable aging, I had a total knee replacement in 2022 and an aortic valve transplant in 2024.

So what?! I don’t write those words lightheartedly, but as a profound question, one that perhaps you too have faced. I included this note with my recent Christmas cards: …my 2024 calendar reveals a year of great blessing as well as a few challenges to reveal whether the faith I claim is based on truth—God’s truth. How do I believe and live into that truth?

The subtitle of my blog is “God’s Perennial Woman—A Journey of Faith with Marilyn Ehle.” Magnified are two words:perennial and journey. As I ponder them I see similarities. Perennial: ceaseless, constant, continual. Journey:  circuit, passage, exploration. Both words have action, movement, and development at their core.

I ask again: So what? At my age ‘n stage, many women are unable to experience much physical movement because of health restrictions. Their journey is primarily restricted to one of the heart and mind. While my own perennial journey is somewhat limited and slower than in years past (despite 36 grueling cardio rehab appointments!), I still enjoy social and intellectual stimulation with friends, more than enough physical energy to care for myself, and the opportunity to be involved with an organization that seeks to meet the spiritual and physical needs of people around the world (see Unto.com).

So here I go again! The answer to my personal So what? involves using words to not just tell my own story but perhaps help you—a perennial woman—on your own journey of faith. Maybe it’s time to journey together.  What opportunities do you find for meaningful interaction with and service to others? What are your greatest challenges? How does your relationship with God impact your life? Let’s begin the conversation.