Greater than limitations
“How is your heart?” I was asked this week.It made me stop. And think. And admit that I prefer, “Are you keeping busy?” because that question is easier to answer.In John’s Gospel, there is a wonderful story about a tough…
Self-compassion grounds us
This weekend, Abbot emeritus Francis Benedict of St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, breathed his last breath here on earth. For my years through seminary and into the early years of my ministry, Francis was my beloved spiritual director and friend.…
Blessed embrace
It's already long past departure time. I'm standing near the gate, waiting for the inbound passengers to deplane. There's nowhere to go, and the plane will depart when it departs. Even so, the passengers (including me) are beginning to huddle,…
Freedom to choose to care
The Sunday-school teacher asked her 10-year-old students if they would be willing to give $1,000,000 to missionary work for children and families in need."Yes," they all screamed in unison."Very good. Would you give $1000?""Yes!""Good. Would you give $1?"The class responded,…
Grace and Gratitude
I need grace.Because grace is my grounding.Without grace... I lose track of where my soul is awakened, sustained and reborn.And I love stories about grace, the kind that do your heart good, and nourish and replenish your soul with gratitude.…
A safe place to land.
Some stories are like restorative prayers. They invite (no, they require) retelling, for the healing of our spirit and our soul.In 1942, the Nazis were actively and forcefully rounding up Jews in France. In the picturesque farming village of Le…
Rest for my soul
I am sitting on my porch, my muscles sore in a good way, and a big smile on my face. And dirt under my fingernails. This week I worked (more like played and dawdled) in my garden. Smiling also as…
The invitation of grace
Toward the end of his life, Bruce had an advanced case of Parkinson's. One of the symptoms is particularly disconcerting. Sometimes when Bruce sees a line on the floor (perhaps because his eyes are cast down, watching his feet, fearing…
Grace, outside the box
Tommy was his parent's pride and joy. A very bright, creative and contented little boy, he began kindergarten with his parent's certainty that he would flourish. At the end of the first week, Tommy brought home pictures he had colored.…
Bring your whole heart
I confess that I haven’t gotten around to making any new year resolutions. I was reminded this morning in a marketing email, “Terry, What are you aiming for in 2023? What does success look like?”I have nothing against lists, per…
