Well, I didn't quite meet my goals this week. I didn't get thirteen entires to the lexicon. I did manage quite a bit else though.

I got into a long online discussion concerning the assumptions that people bring from their religion into their lives and what they expect of others. In passing, I mentioned some of the differences between a Story and a Journey.

It dawned on me that right now the "pagan community" has a lot of people who want to write the story for others instead of setting them off on their own journey. I'm going to have to think about that some.

This is one of those months I wish I could rip out and forget. I'm thinking things are going to get better by the 12th, but I am not totally sure.

Anyway, some things did go right. Early this morning while thinking about what may become chapter five, I solved a nagging problem that has been bothering me for months.

So working from "The story is not the journey," I've settled on terms.

You see, almost every word I used to describe the book people sounded pejorative. The one I've settled on isn't perfect, but it's a lot better. Here's what I'm using.

Sojourner - experienced faith, active, focused on their own journey.

Wonderer (not Wanderer) - Seeking, but no clear direction or method. "They hear the call, but they haven't found their path yet.

And finally…

Pilgrim - revealed faith, "the answers could be in the very next book." The fable happens to them as they seek to manifest the story in their own lives.

And no, this isn't necessarily about religion or faith.

This also has application to the profile notes I talked about before. I added the descriptions to =profile5 - special interests to use as I need.

Hmm, while I'm "in the neighborhood," I'd like to make another point. I have the same thing for Religion, Clubs or volunteer efforts, Politics, and Community. Let's look at one.

Clubs or volunteer efforts? -
Official? - Active? -
How? - Importance to person? -

Obviously I copy/paste as need. But what the heck do I mean by "official" and "active?"

Official is what they call themselves. "I'm a Rotarian" (there aren't as many as there used to be). Active is how much they put into it. It's the difference between a benchwarmer who is there for the social stuff and the one who stays late to help clean up. For some, the label is the most important part. Others may not even be "official" but they're more than willing to pitch in.