I was told recently that I am an “external processor.” In other words, I think out loud. It is often in conversations with others that I discover what I really believe, consider how I understand the world, and make decisions about what I will do.

Having recently started my PhD full time, I suddenly find myself with a lot of space to think when nobody is around to talk to! I wondered (aloud of course) whether I would need to learn to talk to myself more. And then I realised, really, that’s what a blog is for, isn’t it?

I don’t intend this to be a blog about my studies, although I’m sure some of the thinking I am doing in that process will pop up from time to time. I’m interested in thinking about what I see happening in the world around me, how that intersects with my faith and my passions, and what I am learning from other people’s stories along the way. I imagine I will think aloud about theology, travel, politics, Jesus, chocolate, sexism, philosophy, justice, and the Bible, because those are some of the things that tend to occupy my mind and heart. I’m sure other topics will come up along the way.

Do I have something to say that other people want to listen to? That remains to be seen. I hope so. I am a teacher and preacher by calling, gifting and training, so it would be nice to think this is an avenue to use that passion as well. I have learned much from reading the musings and perspectives of others through their blogs, and so I hope to be able to reflect on and interact with what I am reading and at times contribute to those conversations as well.

Of course the danger with being a person who thinks out loud is that it can sometimes get you into trouble. I might be speaking in questions, possibilities, ideas and hypotheticals when someone else thinks I am giving my measured, reasoned and considered final opinion. Similarly, the danger of putting your thoughts on the internet is that they are out there for all to see and judge, debate and disagree with, hold you to and stereotype you by. No doubt that will happen here. I hope I can always be gracious to those with whom I disagree and to those who disagree with me. I pray for grace in return.

So, let the adventure in thinking out loud online begin…