My fellow monks,

This post has in some way plucked a cord in my being. It has enticed me to reflect upon my errant ways and due to that, I feel the need to articulate my thoughts in these esteemed halls. Although I cannot speak for the Saints nor for anyone else, I can try to elaborate as to why I have been missing over the last years. How long was I gone? Looking at my write-ups, I see that I posted on 2013-02-28. The last post before that was on 2009-11-20, i.e. a little more than 3 years ago. Of course, that is not so long ago as 8 years, however, it is still a significant absence.

Running the risk of being ignored, applauded, ridiculed, upheld, down or up-voted, I hearwith offer my explanation(s).

The essential question which must be answered (by me) is simple: why was I gone so long?
Although the question may be simple, I expect the answer is not.

The answer to the question is: priorities.

That might appear to be self-centered or contain a lack of piety but I beg to differ. Life has a way of forcing us to deal with the most perceived necessity, be it work or play. Our attention flitters from one desire or necessity to the next.

Projects beckon.
And as we all know, not all projects revolve around nor require Perl.
Priorities change.

The Monastery and my fellow monks have always been lingering in my subconscious. Even when not visiting this sanctuary on a regularly basis.

Will I disappear again? Surely…. that is the circular nature and demand of life. Will other monks disappear? Probably… but due to the days of self-reflection, meditation and conversation within theses holy walls, the seeds of community will call them home again and again.

So it was with me, so it will be with them.

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