I have been a priest in the Episcopal Church for nearly 25 years now.  My midlife crisis brought me to a number of understandings.  One, to return to my cultural roots, learn the German language of my ancestors, and Two, go deeper spiritually after facing many of the frustrations and rejections of our religious institutions.  Now at midlife, I have chosen the path of an Urban Monk.  I still serve as priest and pastor of a parish, but my focus and energy in life daily consists of living as a professed Benedictine of the New Benedictine Community.