Field of Dreams

Field Note: On misquotes, steady growth, and why I'm building this breezeway instead of a billboard.

I love movies of all kinds. Disney? Yes. Pixar? Nearly always. Classics, esoteric films, thrillers, even sports dramas. Yes, I said sports dramas. (Miracle, anyone?)There are also a few rare films that combine multiple genres. For me, Field of Dreams is one of those.

Yes, I know the line is misquoted. It's not "If you build it, they will come." It's "If you build it, he will come." But for the purposes of this reflection, I’m going with the version we all remember. Because this week, I've seen a few people come on this journey with me.

Not in droves. Not with fireworks. But with kindness, curiosity, and quiet connection.

Last week, I opened the gates to A Shepherd's Field Notes with a welcome mat called "Welcome to the Breezeway." Then came the first full Field Note, "What a Fool Believes." In the days since I've shared some reflections, posted a couple of Notes, swapped a few stories, and invited some old friends to take a peek.

And you know what? They came to the party.

"This is so exciting! App has been downloaded and I'm excited to read what you've written!"

"Wow this looks awesome !! What a great idea Mike and well done for getting lift off with something like this… turning an idea into a reality . I love it!"

"Hi Mr Shepherd, this is so cool! I can't wait to read your past stories, reflections, and other wisdom."

I was genuinely surprised and encouraged by how many people chose to pause for a moment and read something reflective, a little faith-filled, maybe even quietly funny.

This space wasn't designed to go viral. I purposely framed it as a garden, not a stage. A breezeway, not a billboard.

It’s an invitation.
A chance for people from my past to reconnect…
with me, with each other, with themselves…
and maybe even with God.

Some of you have been in my orbit for years as students, friends, and fellow travellers. Others are new here. I hope these reflections are accessible enough that even if we haven't met before, we can still walk the same path for a while.

So consider this the "week one" check-in.

A pinch of posts.

A handful of notes.

A quiet start.

And something real, beginning to grow.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for building this alongside me. More soon.

Grace and peace,

Mike

PS - Like what you read?

Feel free to forward it to someone who might enjoy the pause. Or just say hi in the comments. I read every note, and I’m grateful for each one.