Danny Gmyrek of Once and Future Methodist
Why do you blog?
I got roped into teaching an introductory “Companions in Christ” class this last fall. The first section is journaling and, as I was working up my program for that class I had a moment of clarity: Blogging was the 21st century form of journaling. I had been reading blogs for about 6 months at this point and had printed out examples of different styles for the class. I decided that I needed to start my own blog then, in order to lead by example
What has been your best blogging experience?
When I got the first comment that said “You’ve said what I’ve been trying to say myself, but just couldn’t find the right words.” It affirmed that I really have something to contribute to the community.
What would be your main advice to a novice blogger?
Don’t get overwhelmed, there are some really polished and highly developed blogs out there, but it takes time, and practice. Blog what you know. Read plenty of other blogs, but make your own style. Post regularly (I try for 3 per week, and try to stay a couple ahead off line in case I go dry or am just run over at work).
If you only had time to read three blogs a day, what would they be?
Greg Hazelrig: his daily questions and devotions remind me of the “question of the day” that I had during graduate school, he makes me think. Lorna at See Through Faith: Her posts are longer, in depth, and heartfelt. She also has some interesting links. Shane at Weslyblog was my first intro into the Methodist blogging community and there is always a good discussion on his posts.
Who are your spiritual heroes?
Corrie ten Boom, Mother Teresa, John Wesley, Albert Schweitzer.
What are you reading at the moment?
“The Barbary Plague: the Black Death in Victorian San Francisco” by Marilyn Chase.
What is your favorite hymn and why?
“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”: My favorite piece of music from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony combined with powerful words of praise. It is also a song which most of the congregation can sing without the hymnal. My biggest complaint with traditional services is the selection of hymns which, while on point for content, are hard to sing and are relatively unknown. The singing is timid and mournful. I would include at least one old favorite like this in every service to get some passion into the congregation.
Can you name a major moral, political, on intellectual issue on which you've ever changed your mind?
Single payer Health Care system. When I finished my undergraduate work I would have thought that a single, government run system would eliminate the problems inherent in the current system. After graduate school, residency, and significant work experience with Canadian medical refugees (those who have enough money or influence to get into the U.S. system) I have come to the conclusion that government run system has its own faults greater than the current system.
What philosophical thesis do you think is most important to combat?
Existentialism: I first seriously encountered this philosophy in an AP English class in High School. I seems to be best summed up by the old bumper sticker : “Life’s a bitch, and then You Die”. At its core is an absence of hope. As a Christian, the hope thru Christ is my most treasured possession…something which can not be taken by anybody or any circumstance.
If you could effect one major change in the governing of your country, what would it be?
Some form of Town Hall meeting/government for all communities. There is too much disconnect between people and government at all levels. Growing up in New England, in a small town with annual town hall meeting to decide on the local government business, I saw government at it’s most basic level. This was a good thing.
If you could effect one major policy change in the United Methodist Church, what would it be?
A detailed review of the district/conference system. Yes, there are different needs for different areas, but why re-invent the wheel in so many places? A lot of the work could be done and harmonized so less is spent on support staff, and pastors wouldn’t have to deal with as much and as variable paperwork especially at annual conference time.
What would be your most important piece of advice about life?
Take chances. Going to school 2500 miles from home was a risk, with great rewards, ditto learning to fly.
What, if anything, do you worry about?
My wife’s health, and all of the things which usually attend to that type of situation.
If you were to relive your life to this point, is there anything that you'd do differently?
A dangerous question for a middle aged man to answer. The advice about life comes from some regrets I’ve had for things not done…30 years ago. Like George Bailey I’ve wondered about opportunities not taken and things not done. But, I’ve also had some truly wonderful things happen in life which I totally didn’t expect or plan for. I seem to be where He wants me to be at this time. So, barring a visit from a personal angel to show me the alternate realities, I’ll stand pat.
Where would you most like to live (other than where you do now)?
Alaska
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Fly (private pilot, Inst. Rated…working on my commercial ticket), photography, golf, bicycle, read.
What is your most treasured possession?
If the house was on fire and everyone (including the cats & old hound dog) were safe…maybe my flight bag. My log books, specifically.
What talent would you most like to have?
The ability to Sing.
If you could have any three guests, past or present, to dinner, who would they be?
St. Francis, Gen. James H. Doolittle, Mother Teresa.
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