Beware the Effects of Blogging

There is very little that we do that doesn't have an effect elsewhere. Blogging is, in many ways, the modern manifestation of the theory that would tell you that if a butterfly farts on one side of the planet, a hurricane unfolds on the other.

And so I give you blogging - a present day Lepidoptera emission. 

I have been reflecting on this thing I do, and in particular those things that social media has got me involved with or exposed to. None were predicted; all are good (I think). 

Last week I expressed a thought or two on the possibilities of the technological in God's mission. That little offering has made its way into some very exciting circles, and in the reciprocal ripples that returned to my door, encouraged me to think more deeply in a field that was otherwise closed to my thoughts only weeks ago. 

Through blogging, (in the style that I do it, at any rate), I have attracted attention from some interesting people. If I am honest, half of them are not Christians, largely because I do not write on overtly theological matters to the exclusion of all else. I have developed a particularly welcome and healthy association with people of others faiths and none, and also some people at whose table I am honoured to 'sit' at, whatever their faith position. 

Blogging for me is about having a thought and then flipping it into the pond of the blogosphere without a particular thought as to what or where the ripples will go. That any ripples are seen at all is still a joy and a privilege, and a matter of much thankfulness to me. Even today, my previous blog post has been received positively by organisations that represents the needs and rights of dads. Had I intended that? Not a bit. Other posts have put my into the wider Jewish-Christian debate, a forum I value. I have even discovered that the normal emotions and moods of an ordained male priest are still the same as those of the rest of the world. Yes, I enjoy the peaks in numbers - who would't. But I never fail to be surprised by the warmth that these un-crafted and unplanned words generate, without exception. For that I am truly and humbly grateful.

I wondered about the potential injury to my employment prospects that this blog may have inflicted. In our words, bloggers are open and exposed (if we intend to be or not), and therefore the real 'us' is visible, as distinct from the shiny prepared interview 'us'. I need not have worried, and indeed am astounded by the interest (positive interest thus far) that has been shown to this endeavour in the 'new place'. It tickles me no end, believe me. 

When we start to write, we never presume that anyone will read. At least I didn't. I still see how very old posts are still gathering attention a year or more later, from the most unexpected corners of the world. Blogging is never without effect; not on the world and not on the blogger. The world that this little hobby has opened up for me is a good one, if full of risks, and to you who read this, I thank you for walking with me. 

I will not stop.