In our most clear moments, our heart speaks of its desire. We long for meaning, connection, hope, adventure, and peace. But what gets in the way? And how might we overcome those barriers?

The Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson is the Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL. He has served there since 2008, after a five year ministry in Colorado Springs, CO. He is the author of Newborn Bards: A Theology of Preaching for Unitarian Universalists, served as co-chair of the UUA Presidential Search Committee, and is a third-generation Unitarian Universalist who loves rivers, puzzles, running, craft beer, pilgrimage, his two kids, and a good book.