Welcome!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Hello and welcome. I'm glad you're here. I have wondered if anyone really would visit. Let me show you around.

First, our masthead, Joyride with Dr. Will: the 'joyride' in the blog's name comes from the facts that (1) my current work is helping people select and acquire motor vehicles, and (2) I try to do this in ways that enhance their satisfaction and joy. 'Dr. Will' is who I am in performing this work--a title and name that have helped other folks connect with me initially, and with which I am comfortable in this chapter of my life.

Many of my posts are transcriptions from the devotions I study as I start each day at work. Some are more directly related to my trade as a motor vehicle sales rep. The post titles should give you some help in sorting them out, in case you're interested more in one or the other. I'd love it if you'd add your remarks and responses!

Next, a quick introduction to me: I like the suggestion in John's apocalypse that I (and you) will receive a new name in the life after this life. For the first few decades of my life, I was known as 'Court', from my middle name, Courtney. My father was a William, known as 'Bill', and while he was alive, I left the William-space to him. I decided to be 'Will' after my father's passing, and at a point in time when I was able to choose that without creating much dissonance for the folks around me.

College teaching was my profession until I went to seminary in 1992, after surviving a burglary and assault at our solar cabin in the Virginia Blue Ridge.

Katherine and I moved to Texas in 2000, and to Houston in 2003--the latter mainly to be near two of our three children as they in turn began to raise their families. [Just before Christmas 2008, our ninth grandchild was born.]

I treat selling cars as my ministry, and it has been rewarding for me and for my customers. My colleague Samir al-Busaidy suggested that I try a blog to extend that dialog. Why not? Since starting at Honda of Clear Lake in July 2003, I've learned a lot from my supervisors and colleagues, and even more from my customers. So whatever else may happen in and around this blog, I hope I will be able to provide support, encouragement and information for people wanting to improve their ride, whether that pertains to motor vehicles or to weightier existential matters concerning life in this amazing world or in the new heaven and earth to come.