9 September, the second day of my 70th year.  First, an apology for the title of this blog -- it's the title of a biography of Rufus Jones by Elizabeth Gray Vining.  I am not saying that I am like Rufus Jones, but I am saying that I am a friend of life - in all its many forms.

Yesterday was a momentous day - the first day of my seventieth year, the day my wife Jill and I accepted an offer on our house and the day a small group of friends met with us and confirmed our leading to offer to buy a farm in Colrain that meets our needs for pasture land next to the house.  It was also a day when I received a happy birthday e-mail from my daughter to my great delight.  And meeting at Mt Toby yesterday was the first day of new scheduling forms for first day school and worship.  A lot of new vistas opening for me.

This first, rather halting, attempt at a blog is a reflection on that newness and an expression of gratitude that life and relationship and love continue as long as you are open and willing to be led.