Movin’ Down the Road
You haven’t seen a new posting from me for a while and for a good reason. We have moved, and I’ve spent the last few weeks first packing then unpacking boxes, and in between times negotiating over help lines to the Philippines and India in order to get network, phone, cable, and computer systems up and running in a new house. Nineteen years in the same place leads to a lot of accumulation, and we’ve used this opportunity to winnow our belongings. As we’re learning, it takes almost as much work to move one mile as it does to move a thousand.
It is a good thing, I’ve found, to suspend the life of the mind for a few weeks and join the world of manual labor; after all, far more people in the world spend their work hours using muscles than using brain synapses. You sleep better, end the day sore yet with a feeling of measurable accomplishment, and eat anything you want without gaining weight.
I remember vividly our 1992 move from downtown Chicago to a forest in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. We loved our life in the city, filled with concerts, theater, great restaurants, ethnic diversity, and a grace-filled church. Over time, though, the busy and crowded urban scene complicated my writing life. I had moved to Chicago as a young journalist and found the metropolis a marvelous place for journalism: I needed only to walk outdoors to find a mugging in process, or someone having an epileptic fit, or a homeless person eager to be interviewed. Eventually, though, I wanted my writing to move in a more reflective, personal direction, which the noise and frenetic pace of the city worked against.
We looked all over the United States and made what seemed at the time a risky decision to relocate to rural Colorado, where we knew no one, and begin a life dramatically different from what we had known in Chicago. We found a house on a hill with a view of snowcapped mountains to the west. We had to look hard to see signs of any other houses poking through the trees. We arrived a few days before the moving truck, and after unloading a U-Haul trailer with a mattress, two plates, two place settings, two suitcases, and my computer, we spent the first night in an empty, echoey house. Accustomed to the background noise of the city, we found it difficult to sleep amid such silence. The next day we awoke to a stunning sight: six inches of fresh snow had transformed the landscape into a glistening white wonderland. Think Narnia at Christmas—that was our front yard.
- The view we lose.
I have always found the natural world nourishing to creativity and, more, a pathway to worship. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” wrote the psalmist. It baffles me that places of great natural beauty do not foster religious faith—how can Oregon and Washington have the lowest church attendance of any states? Nature was one of the key forces that brought me back to God, for I wanted to know the Artist responsible for beauty such as I saw on grand scale in photos from space telescopes or on minute scale such as in the intricate designs on a butterfly wing.
When I would hit a block in writing, or experience grief and sadness over a friend’s illness or death, I would hike up to a pile of rocks behind my home and sit, looking out over an unspoiled landscape which reminded me that the world goes on in its fierce beauty, regardless of any crisis great or small. Several times a curious red fox discovered me sitting on that rock and squatted warily nearby, his golden eyes and twitching ears alert to any movement I might make. Once I stumbled upon a cluster of Calypso orchids, a rare plant that I had come across in the writings of John Muir, who recounted the two greatest days of his life as the time when he camped in Yosemite Valley with Ralph Waldo Emerson…and when he found a Calypso orchid on a hike. And I only had to look in my back yard.
My writing did take a more personal turn. My first books composed in Colorado were The Jesus I Never Knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace?, and then came others like Soul Survivor and Reaching for the Invisible God. Soon Janet and I began traveling internationally, more than seventy countries in all, and this too informed my writing. Home became a refuge, allowing us to venture to other places because we knew we could return to the welcoming solace of Colorado.
Initially the move took a toll on Janet, who had thrived in Chicago as a social worker heading up a senior citizens’ program. After a few months in Colorado she accepted new and challenging work as a hospice chaplain. Many nights a jarring phone call would interrupt our sleep (people die at inopportune times) and she would make the trek down the hill into Denver to attend the bedside of a dying person. Later she worked at an assisted living facility managed by Orthodox Jews.
Why, then, did we decide to move again this year? In a word, age caught up with us. We had lived on several acres, which meant managing a Ponderosa pine forest subject to beetle kill and blizzards. In the locally famous blizzard of 2003 seven feet of snow fell over a two-day period. As Elihu reminded Job, “He [God] says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor.” Indeed, everything stopped in our part of the world that week.
I went snowshoeing, lunging in the soft powder to make each arduous step, and stood atop a hill listening to what sounded like rifle shots echoing through the canyon. With a start I realized they were tree branches and whole trees snapping from the weight of snow and falling to the ground with a great whoosh. We had no electricity for a week, which meant no heat and no water since the well pump had lost power too. We stayed warm by burning wood and running a small gas fireplace around the clock. Each night for a few minutes we turned on a battery-powered radio and listened to reports of war, for that was the very week the U.S. had invaded Iraq. Reports from the desert seemed very far away as I looked out my window on the moonlit whiteness.
Shoveling snow, sawing trees, pushing a lawnmower up a 30-degree slope—all these things took a toll, so this year we decided to look for a place to spend the next season of life. Once again we considered other parts of the country, especially the Southeast where our families live. Frankly, we could not find a place more appealing than Colorado. We have spectacular mountain scenery, great snow, plentiful wildlife, few bugs, 300 days of sunshine annually, no air-conditioning, and wide open spaces with few traffic jams. Why go anywhere else? (I know, I know, I sound like a hack writer for the tourist bureau.)
At the same time we wanted to simplify our lives and find a more, ahem, age-appropriate place. In our search we found a townhouse that will involve much less maintenance. We traded in a well and septic tank for treated water and a sewer system. We gave away the lawnmower and now leave snow removal to professionals. We even know the folks in the adjacent townhouse who will share a wall with us. And I have room for my twenty-six bookcases in a large downstairs office area.
- The view we gain.
Life always involves tradeoffs. We have lost a view of year-round snowcaps but gained a mountain stream in our front yard. A fly fisherman with a strong arm and good aim could fish from our balcony; we’ll probably just sit on the deck and enjoy the view and the sound of rushing water.
The day before we moved, as if to remind us of that first magical day in Colorado in 1992, a freak October storm dumped a foot of fresh snow on our town. It delayed the move by several hours, as the moving truck had to send for chains to make it up our driveway, but when I took the first carload to the new place, I saw a sight reminiscent of our first morning in Colorado nineteen years before. I’ve included a photo of the stream cutting through fresh-fallen snow. As I stood at the window and watched, a herd of elk kicked their way through the snow to the creek for a drink. To my left, a kingfisher perched on a branch in search of trout small enough to swallow. Nature itself was sending a committee to welcome us.
- The welcoming committee
We hope the future years in our new home prove as pleasant and productive as our last two decades have been. We still miss many things about Chicago and the urban life, yet Colorado has replaced those qualities with peace and solitude as well as a greater appreciation for the outdoors. We’re grateful for those advantages, and plan to enjoy them for, oh, the next nineteen years or so.
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34 responses to “Movin’ Down the Road”
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About Philip Yancey
For Yancey, reading offered a window to a different world. So, he devoured books that opened his mind, challenged his upbringing, and went against what he had been taught. A sense of betrayal engulfed him.
HOW I AVOID MAKING G~0~D an idol in human form
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G~0~D as Being–all that is Good, Opportune and Desirable–is what makes sense, to me. Note that I make use of the zero 0 and the tilde [~] to make the point that G~0~D is NOT ‘a’ being, a thing, an idol–an anthropomorphic human-like and masculine being with dimensions.
The following thread now has over 4, 300,000 hits:
http://www.scienceagogo.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=43889#Post43889
Greetings brother in Christ: I was reading from “Grace Notes” while sitting in front of the fire and watching the first returning hummingbird appear outside my cabin window located on one of Canada’s Gulf Islands north of Victoria. Like your window views mine also remind me of God’s handiwork. I came to “When God Wrote” on page 303 and thought you might be interested to read similar thought progressions my daughter has been posting five days a week since October. Her blog is bluestonecity.org if you would like to sample them. Blessings. Garry
Philip,
I trust that by now you and Janet are all settled in and that your books are in the order you would like to have them for easy retrieval. Although we live in an age of expanding titles available as e-books, I suspect that you are like me in enjoying the physical pages of paper that constitute the traditional book. I am glad that you found a place big enough to house your not inconsiderable private library.
By the way, in reading through your responses, I found out that Eugene Peterson ran a 4:07 mile as a young man back in the 1950s – no mean accomplishment. That bit of information was a nice surprise.
Blessings on you and Janet in your new home. I envy you your snow and the opportunity to enjoy four seasons: something I’ve missed out on for the last decade…
David
Dear Philip,
As I sit here baking in a good ole Melbourne heat wave (40 degrees C yesterday), how I would love to be waking up tomorrow to see snow on my front lawn!
I still have fond memories of being present at your Melbourne talk last year, and meeting you both afterwards. Your book “Where is God when it hurts?” is being read again as I search for hope and insights following a recent medical diagnosis. Life can be tough but we are called by the Artist (as you so beautifully put it) to trust when life is toughest. This is a new lesson for me, one I attempt to achieve each day … but often fail!! Tomorrow is a new day, huh. My best wishes to you both. Nea.
To Laurel Roland, I ask, “How do you know with such certainty that God does not exist?” and “who, has hurt you so much that you no longer want to believe in Him?”
To Philip, congratulations on the move. What a privilege to live in such pristine beauty, I would desire to have a tenth of your blessing! Maybe, one day.
I always get such inspiration from your work. Sorry that I missed your visit to Brisbane.
Regards, Doug
I miss you guys. 🙂
Mr. Yancey!
I wrote to you, almost a year ago. And when i saw your answer, i was completely amazed!!! I could not believe it, it was an honor to have my favorite writer, writing actually, to me, only ME!
It really was a moment of happiness, those that comes and goes…
I have moved several times from different cities, and countries, alone, and with family, kids and dogs….
It’s tough….
It will require from you a willing to adjust, to something that you really don’t know what it’s.
It will not be about trading, it’s about learning…
But, you will leave behind some people, places, feelings that you love…
It’s about the capacity to see a new window, to see life differently, to smell new things….
It can be fun, but depending where you are going, it will be also challenging….
It will require from you an open mind, open to new perspectives, even if those perspectives are weird.
Open to love new people…
Open to be what you which someone would be to you…
You will have to tell what you already told a million times….
Explain why, for example, your daughter speaks 5 languages….
But, it may be fun….
Ahh, everything in life may be fun , if you decide to learn from it!
Mr. Yancey , even if for us you have nothing else to learn, you will learn… and it will be fun!!
Going back to how happy i was when i saw your answer, i was very happy and i really would like to have that feeling again:)
Good afternoon Philip
I’m brasilian and I am still learning your language. But I want to give congratulations for your job. I ‘m reading the “what good is God?”, and I think interesting.
I see about brasilian church the same thing that you.
Theory of Prosperity. In this land praying everything goes!
Excuse the mistakes. I am new to English.
Dear Mr. Yancey,
Today is 12/12/11. I just ate my lunch looking over your book Disappointment With God. I cried a little, something I don’t often do. I’m a 51 year nurse living in South Carolina, raised in Wisconsin a Christian home. I cried because I just looked you up on the internet and it appears that all these years since you’ve written the book, you haven’t been able to come to grips with the truth–that there really isn’t a God. I cried because I understand why you haven’t been able to face it, I cried because you are still leading people down a dead-end path because you think you’re bringing them comfort when in fact you’re leading them astray, I cried because you lead my parents astray, thus inspiring them to teach me that a personal God exists who cares about me which has totally skewed my world view for years when in fact I could have been happier than I’d ever thought possible with the truth–that we don’t really know why we’re here, but that it’s nature, an enormous cosmos that we’re exploring and that if there really was a God who existed and cared about us, he would never ever ever ever not reveal himself to us in a way we could understand because that just does not make sense. Have you read Dan Barker’s book? Do you know who Neil DeGrasse Tyson or Neil Shubin is? I BEG of you to open your mind to the possibility that, through no fault of your own, you have been mistaken. I BEG of you for the sake of our humanity. I BEG of you for yourself and your family to just LOOK at what you’re doing and saying. If you care about ANYONE, please explore the possibility that you might actually be causing harm instead of helping. PLEASE.
Dear Mr Yancey
I have so enjoyed reading all your books. They have taught me an awful lot about our Lord Jesus Christ and also a lot about myself. I have not enjoyed any books as much as yours.
I am a little sad that I did not get to see you when you visited London and spoke at a church in the heart of London. Maybe I will get to see you in person if you visit again?
Thank you for the joyful hours you have given me while reading your books. I eagerly look forward to your next one.
God Bless you and your family.
Derrick Winter, London, England.
Hi Philip. I’ve read most of your books, and love the way you write. My bucket list includes meeting you, but don’t know if that will ever happen. I grew up in a strict Mennonite setting, and God took me to Canada to live with the First Nations people. I am a pastor at a small church, about 70% Aboriginal, and 30% Caucasian. Never knew God could have such a sense of irony. Taking a straight laced person and plunking me down in the middle of a people who’s issues socially, economically, and even culturally have such huge needs that it seems only God will be able to fix them. Your books have helped tremendously to know how to walk WITH them, instead of trying to fix people. In the process I’ve learned how unfinished I am. They have taught me to laugh, live, eat, (I love that part) and even how to die. Look forward to your next book. If we don’t meet here, we’ll see you in glory. Kevin
Dear Mr Yancey,
I have to say I really appreciate all your writings. The way you get to a point by using an entertaining example, with often some clever knowledge behind it. Im a commercial driver so I like to listen and gain focus with your audio books often. I find a lot of value in what you have to say. I cant lie though, often it seems like the Holy Spirit grieves within me on some of the truths you describe. I do wish I could get a copy of Disappointment with God or Where is God when it hurts on audio. My eyes get easily irritated when reading, but I have read them both. Actually Ive read very few books for that reason and you might be pleased to know that most of those were your writings. Anyway like everyone else, just wanted to say thanks.
Dear Mr Yancey,
Greetings!
I have read all your books except the one on prayer.Getting a copy soon.
Thank you for your books. Jesus has truly blessed you with talent and insight.
I am reading again the book The Jesus I never Knew.
I gift your books to my friends including non believers and they have been blessed.
Have you visited India? Great country to visit.It will help your writing too. Eastern Religions have made in depth study and evangelical effort must consider why it is so difficult to reach people with deep cultural roots.
Blessings.Keep up the writing they have truly blessed many people.
John
“It baffles me that places of great natural beauty do not foster religious faith—how can Oregon and Washington have the lowest church attendance of any states?”
Because to put it bluntly most young people in these states regard Christianity as a failed religion, obsessed with bodily sin and unconcerned with social and environmental justice. They have not been presented with a Christianity that genuinely challenges and inspires them. They see a religion that has been ambivalent about environmental issues at best, and downright hostile to environmental issues at worst.
Now that being said I also think that they are aware peripherally of the more challenging versions of the Christian faith that people like you, Don Miller, Anne Lamott etc. present. But many times they deliberately ignore your writings out of the very fear that it will challenge their preconceived understanding and judgments about Christianity.
So I would encourage you Mr. Yancey to get out there in Colorado and talk with young people! I’m willing to bet most of them would be willing to talk.
Mr. Yancey:
I want to tell you that I am reading WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE. Every time I pick it up and begin reading I find myself terrified about putting it down because I know I will be back in my own reality bereft of your monumental wisdom.
Thank you and may God’s grace be with you.
Dolores Fortino
Obviously, Philip does not know that a transcendent monotheistic entity that the human mind refers to as “god,” does not exist!
Read my latest book entitled: Did God Screw Up? You can Google it and purchase it worldwide from bookstores. If you wonder about the “god” of Judaism, Christianity and Islam…it is the same mythological entity…read about all the screw-ups, you’ll be enlightened forever.
When you told me very briefly on your facebook page that you were in the process of moving, it concerned me as I continue pouring over the pages of “Reaching for the Invisible God,” seeing how productive the move to Colorado has been for you–even wondering this very night about your move. I also wondered about Janet, as I read that Chicago had been better for her (p.223). At the rate I read (re-read, analyze, and annotate), I was confident there was ample Yancey material for years of my perusal, but I became genuinely concerned for the two of you. Your post refreshingly allays my fears–so good to hear that you both are in a place where you can continue to thrive!
It is also obvious you touch a chord with several of your readers. One of them above sums it up, “I feel such a kinship with you.” In the words C.S. Lewis shared in “Shadowlands,” we similarly express ourselves; ‘We read to know we are not alone.’ I never understood this phrase until realizing that for me it only applies when I read YOUR books. You are the one who breaks things down honestly, with full integrity, with the courage to look a paradox in the eye and spell out both extremes as part of the answer, just as it is in reality. Thus we know you have dealt with it squarely, informing us of what we already know, paired with things we’ve only heard about, and as the icing on the cake, you educate us on matters we would have otherwise never heard and certainly not been able to fit into the mosaic of our understanding!
In a world where all others at some point cave in to demands for quick-and-easy marketable sound-bites and snippets, you stay the course to always be refreshingly honest and thorough, and thus it is so encouraging to know you have given thought to your needs and your service for the next twenty years (but what is with this mention of “stairs”? ;-).
Hi Philip! 🙂 I sure know how it feels to detach yourself from the place you call home. But looking at your posted pics, I guess there’s not much adjustment for you and Janet with your new vicinity, coz they just look the same to me (or maybe it’s just the snow, hehehe). Anyhow, I pray you both will be refreshed in this change you’ve made, as you continue to refresh others with your respective ministries. Speaking of which, I echo Greg Denholm’s query there. I am soooo looking forward to your memoir!! Is it near completion already? 😀 I just finished reading EH Peterson’s memoir actually, and I found you and Janet in the acknowledgment list. Being a great fan of yours, I was hugely delighted to learn you both know each other (although I’m aware you’ve quoted him in your books)! So that’s how I thought of you making one. I really, really hope it would be available soon. 😀
Our unchanging Almighty God will bless and keep the both of you as you enjoy this change you’ve made. Keep on! 🙂
Awesome, I hope that you do enjoy the next 19+ years. I am enjoying your writings, especially the Jesus I never knew.
Phillip,
Where can I send a letter that I have written you?
Hello Philip, thank you for all your books and for what you once said to me about prayer. Your new home view is stunning, I’d love a view like that instead of our road. You and Janet relax and enjoy it for all of us people who live in cities.
Love and blessings
jackie gill xxx
Philip,
Eagerly reading your update from our former home, the Sunshine State, and wondering where you’ve moved…Thrilled to know You and Janet have remained
in our breathtakingly majestic Rockies. We shall return soon and look
forward to your next book signing. Happy holidays in your new home! As always, Bobbe & John
What a beautiful articulation of the seasons of life. I feel such a kinship with you, having just left New York City, where I lived for twelve years, to move to Seattle. While I don’t exactly have elk in my back yard, the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings have been replaced by Mount Rainier and the Cascades. I pray God’s spirit will meet you in your new home and bring fresh inspiration as you pray, reflect, and write. I am grateful for you, for your books, and for your witness. Grace upon grace.
Just got done reading “What Good is God” I read it slowly, obliging myself to only read a chapter at a time to make the book last longer and to give me time to think about what I had read. I also went to Bible College many years ago and can’t say they were the best times of my life, appreciated your comments. I have lived in France for 25 years now, work with a church here, this is a “Catholic but non practising country” very difficult to reach people but we keep trying. I’m going to try to find your books in French for some friends of mine…hope your move went well.
Just wanted to say thanks and to keep writing 🙂
Brenda
Hi Philip,
I met Janet and you in 2006 when you did an fund raising event for Bridge of Hope in Morgantown, PA. I was part of a “Living room conversation” prior to the main event.
At the time, I was trying to come to grips with my new normal after being severely injured in an accident and I’ll never forget how kind both Janet and you were to me. Thank you!
My husband and I are only 46, but we both dream of the day when we move to a condo (or something similar) and don’t have a property to take care of.
Best wishes on your move! Enjoy, breathe deep and live well!
PS: I’ve tried to post this a few times, but it hasn’t showed up, if you get it repeatedly, I’m sorry.
Hi Philip – Will you be visiting the UK any time soon ?
I would love to meet or hear you speak.
I hope you’re settling in – I once moved many times whilst in the forces some years back and you reminded me of ’empty echoing rooms’.
Your place looks lovely – sort of place I’d love myself. God will provide when I’m ready, no doubt.
I can see the sunset and sunrise most mornings, above the other houses from the bedroom window, can’t beat it some days.
Thanks for reading and also thanks for your guidance during my early days of speaking to God. Many Christians have and still try to guide me down paths I never liked to be a part of so I’m glad I wasn’t alone whilst keeping my own beliefs true to God’s love for us all.
Joe
Hello Mr. Yancey,
I’m getting in touch to see if you are doing any speaking engagements. Our chapter of Youth For Christ does a banquet each year around the month of April and we’d like for you to consider being our speaker for the evening!!
Thank you for what you have allowed God to do through you to teach the Church about His Grace!
Jerry
I can imagine your new view is as inspiring as the previous (it looks beautiful to me!). I’ve found that a glimpse of God’s handiwork is important to me as I write too.
We spent several years in the northwest while my husband completed seminary and began ministry. I’ve had the same thought you expressed, “It baffles me that places of great natural beauty do not foster religious faith—how can Oregon and Washington have the lowest church attendance of any states?” I’m afraid the answer is that many worship the creation rather than the creator. I can’t tell you how many times I heard people offer some variation of, “I feel closest to God when I’m in the mountains/at the beach/hiking in the park,” as their explanation (excuse?) for not being in church.
Recently I visited a church that was constructed with large windows behind the platform that rose the full height of the 20 ft. ceilings, offering a glimpse at the trees and sky behind the speaker. A woman I met apologized that the surroundings weren’t more up-to-date. I had just been thinking it was one of the most beautiful churches I’ve been in and the perfect setting for worshiping.
I, too, am looking forward to your memoir (I enjoyed hearing about it from Janet when we met in Berkeley a couple years ago).
Blessings on you both as you settle in.
Mary
I appreciate your observations on this new season in your life. I, too, am making a similar transition in my life. Dilemma: How does one remain productive in service to the Lord when the body demands far more attention than it once needed?
Since my husband and I are in the first wave of baby boomers to reach 65, we have a head start on a whole generation. By grace, I plan to contribute to this world for another 20 (or more) years, but I now realize that lifestyle changes are mandatory.
I wish you grace and joy as you explore all that the Lord has in store for you.
Hello Yancey.
Wish you have a good time in New nest.
I don’t know whether you read my posting to your post “Notes from the Great Southland”.
Can I hear your opinions?
Philip God bless you both in your new home.
By the way if you ever tire of writing about real life theology you would make a great naturalist.
Hello Sir,
I’m a girl from Kerala, India. I love the book What’s So Amazing About Grace. I never appreciated nature as much but God has really opened my eyes to His marvelous gifts in nature. I wish you and your wife the best of health and encourage you to write and turn many to love the King with our whole creation.
Warmest Regards,
A fan of yours.
Thank you, Philip for your insight once again. We can all certainly understand that life is full of change, as much as we may try to avoid it. I identify especially with the “seasons of Life” analogy. We may not ever really expect to be where God places us, whether at a particular job, church or role in your family. But we look at the “little blessings in it all” and know that this new thing is for our good and for His glory. Thanks for including the pictures, they’re beautiful and I hope God continues to bless you and your wife and leads you to continue to write so creatively.
Sincerely,
A fellow sojourner, Wesley Rees
Hi Philip,
I share your hope that your new home will be pleasant and productive for you. May it result in many more books of equal insight to those of your past, which have played an important role in forming my faith and informing my reading of Scripture.
How’s your memoir going?